Biological and physiological mechanisms of insect resistance in Pseudococcus viridis: focus on cytochrome P450, and carboxylesterase enzyme activities

Insect resistance in Pseudococcus viridis (citrus mealybug) represents a primary obstacle to conventional citrus production. This work evaluated the involvement of two main enzyme systems responsible for detoxification, cytochrome P450 and carboxylesterase, in the pesticides resistance development. Biochemical assays and enzyme kinetic estimations showed that the resistant populations of P. viridis reflects the activity of these enzymes significantly increased expression in insect detoxification metabolism and its essential function. Our findings demonstrate important insights into the enzymatic mechanisms underlying resistance, providing a basis for identifying biochemical targets for industry to develop improved pest management strategies (IPM) in combination, and ensure the long-term effectiveness of pest control strategies.