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The significance of BHC degradation in resistant house-flies
Published online by Cambridge University Press: 10 July 2009
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Resistance to γ BHC and dieldrin in various insects usually gives a characteristic resistance spectrum, probably indicating a common defence mechanism. Resistant house-flies (Musca domestica L.) are slightly anomalous in showing greater tolerance of γ BHC than of endrin and isodrin, unlike other resistant strains. A possible explanation is that they can develop an additional defence, specific towards γ BHC, as well as the usual group resistance. This might well be enhanced enzymatic degradation of BHC, which is known to occur in flies, but was not found in resistant strains of Anopheles gambiae Giles or Cimex lectularius L.
To confirm this hypothesis the rates of BHC elimination were measured in normal and two resistant strains of flies and also in normal and resistant strains of Lucilia cuprina (Wied.) (which showed the more usual resistance spectrum). To avoid toxic effects, the non-insecticidal α BHC was used and its elimination after six hours measured in extracts by gas chromatography. The two resistant fly strains showed significantly increased degradation of BHC, correlated with their greater γ BHC resistance, whereas rates were about the same in normal flies and the two strains of L. cuprina.
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- Copyright © Cambridge University Press 1963
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