Scientists at Rothamsted Research Institute have identified a growing threat from the grain aphid (Sitobion avenae), a major crop pest that can reduce farmers' yields by damaging cereal crops and spreading plant diseases, most notably the barley yellow dwarf virus (BYDV).

In light of the findings of a major new research project new research, Rothamsted scientists have suggested grain aphids are becoming more resistant to the popular pyrethroid insecticides. Pyrethroids account for a quarter of insecticide-based control agents worldwide and the reason for this increased resistance may be due to the number of grain aphids carrying the knock-down resistance (kdr) mechanism which has increased in frequency this year.

Whilst there is a suggestion that these problems could affect UK farmers as early as this autumn, research leader Dr Steve Foster of Rothamsted Research, said “Our research does give us cause for concern but we should not panic just yet because BYDV is also transmitted by the bird cherry-oat aphid which is a more important vector and there's no sign of kdr in this aphid yet”.

He added that “when grain aphids are the main pest present then growers need to be aware that pyrethroid sprays may not be effective. If growers apply timely applications at the full dose rate and suspect that control has been poor then they should not spray again with a pyrethroid-based product but switch to an insecticide with an alternative mode of action.”

In response to the findings, HGCA has released two publications which aim to assist with management of grain aphids this autumn, including best practice measures to limit the risk of resistance and strategies that could be deployed if resistance is suspected during the autumn spraying period. Both publications are available from the HGCA website

Professor Lin Field, Head of the Biological Chemistry and Crop Protection Department at Rothamsted Research stressed on Tuesday (25th September) that, “We should not take our eye off the ball, the threat of pyrethroid resistance is very real and we need to continue researching to establish how potent this resistance is and whether pyrethroids will work in the future."

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