Advances in Studies of Acetylcholinesterase Gene Mutations Associated with Insecticide Resistance in Insect Pests

Intensive use of organophosphate and carbamate insecticides has led to the development of resistance in many target species that are important in agriculture. Acetylcholinesterase(AChE)insensitive to organophosphate and carbamate insecticides has been identified as a major resistance mechanism in numerous insect species. Acetylcholinesterase gene mutations conferring insecticide resistance in insect pests are summarized briefly. Furthermore, the effects of acetylcholinesterase gene mutations on acetylcholinesterase protein structures and functions, the characterization of modified acetylcholinesterase protein, the effects of acetylcholinesterase gene mutations on fitness, and the effects of the combination of various mutations on insecticide resistance were discussed. These gene mutations responsible for conferring insensitivity may open up the way for designing new anti-resistant compounds.