Detoxification Enzyme Activity Profiles in Field Populations of Myzus persicae Collected from Different Host Plants

Abstract

The green peach aphid, Myzus persicae, is a highly destructive agricultural pest with a remarkable ability to adapt to diverse host plants and develop resistance to insecticides. Detoxification enzymes play a crucial role in the metabolic adaptation and survival of aphid populations under varying environmental and chemical stresses. The present study investigated the detoxification enzyme activity profiles of field populations of M. persicae collected from different host plants. Aphid samples were obtained from major cultivated crops and analyzed for the activity of key detoxification enzymes including esterases, glutathione S-transferases (GSTs), and cytochrome P450 monooxygenases. Enzyme assays were performed under laboratory conditions to evaluate variations in metabolic activity among populations associated with different host plants. The results revealed significant differences in detoxification enzyme activity profiles among the tested aphid populations. Elevated esterase and cytochrome P450 activities were observed in populations collected from intensively managed crops frequently exposed to insecticide applications, suggesting enhanced metabolic detoxification capacity. Variability in GST activity indicated differential adaptation to plant secondary metabolites and environmental stress factors associated with specific host plants. Certain populations exhibited markedly higher enzyme activity levels, indicating potential development of metabolic resistance mechanisms. Host plant characteristics and agricultural practices were found to strongly influence aphid physiological adaptation and enzyme expression patterns. The observed metabolic diversity among field populations demonstrates the adaptive potential of M. persicae and highlights the importance of continuous resistance monitoring. The findings provide valuable insights into the biochemical mechanisms underlying aphid adaptation and contribute to the development of effective integrated pest management strategies aimed at delaying insecticide resistance and improving sustainable aphid control in agricultural ecosystems.