Evolution of pesticide resistance in apple pests and their natural enemies

Evolution of pesticide resistance in 24 apple pest and natural enemy species was simulated with a computer model. Population ecology parameters were varied among species while physiological, biochemical and genetic assumptions were held constant. There was good agreement between the model's predictions and observed historical patterns of azinphosmethyl resistance among pests and natural enemies. Correspondence between predicted and observed was improved by assuming that natural enemies evolved resistance only after their prey/hosts became resistant, but not by assuming greater initial susceptibility in natural enemies. Results suggest that ecological factors may be important in determining rates of resistance evolution.