TRANSPOSABLE ELEMENTS AS INITIATORS OF INSECTICIDE RESISTANCE

Genetic change that leads to insecticide resistance is poorly understood for most resistance genes. Transposable elements have been shown to be powerful mutagenic agents in Drosophila melanogaster (Meigen), and they potentially can create genetic change leading to resistance in pest insect populations. Here the characteristics of transposable elements and the consequences of their movement in D. melanogaster and other insects are discussed, and reports of their involvement in insecticide resistance are examined. I conclude that transposable elements must be considered as mutagenic agents that can lead to resistance. Their involvement needs to be directly addressed in studies of resistant insects, particularly by investigators involved in cloning resistance genes.