The impact of insecticide resistance in insect pests on interactions with natural enemies

The effect of insecticide resistance in insect pests on interactions with natural enemies has received little attention in the ecotoxicological literature. However, there is growing evidence that resistance within pest populations can have a substantial impact on the survival of parasitoids in the aftermath of spraying. This has not been taken into account by the groups who have traditionally worked on non-target organisms. This paper provides evidence that the resistance status of the host is extremely important in governing the effect of insecticides on non-targets, in particular parasitoids, and that this should be investigated more thoroughly.