In New Caledonia, the use of Thiodan (endosulfan) for the control of Hypothenemus hampei on coffee for 10 years has led to control failures due to the emergence and spread of resistance. Research was conducted to characterise this resistance, develop appropriate tools for early detection, map its origin and investigate the genetic basis. Various bioassays were used to study the distribution of
... [Show full abstract] resistance and temporal changes. Resistance was found in 5 of 15 regions, but resistance frequency declined after endosulfan use was discontinued. Transects across endosulfan-treated fields indicated higher resistance levels near the roadside. Air-blast applications, in combination with limited gene flow were key factors for this distribution. A GABA receptor gene, which appeared to be homologous with the rdl gene in Drosophila , showed a single amino acid substitution in resistant H. hampei at the same site as in other cyclodiene-resistant insects. Crosses between resistant and susceptible genotypes indicated intermediate dominance, with functional haplodiploidy. Gene or chromosome inactivation occurred in males, through loss of the paternal set of chromosomes. Cytological investigations showed that only the maternally derived complement was transmitted and expressed, being condensed and non-functional when paternally derived.