Toxicity Assessment of Four Formulated Pyrethroid-Containing Binary Insecticides in Two Resistant Adult Tarnished Plant Bug (Lygus lineolaris) Populations

SIMPLE SUMMARY: This study evaluated the toxicity and resistance risks of four formulated pyrethroid-containing binary mixtures (Endigo, Leverage, Athena, and Hero) on susceptible and two resistant tarnished plant bug (TPB) populations, using a modified Potter Spray Tower. Among the binary mixtures, TPBs displayed the highest level of resistance to Hero and the lowest resistance towards Athena. A comparison of the binary mixture to their corresponding individual pyrethroid demonstrated significantly higher resistance ratios from Hero and Leverage, while Endigo and Athena displayed similar or lower resistance ratios in both resistant TPB populations. This study also assessed the interaction between the individual components in the binary mixtures using the calculated additive index (AI) and the co-toxicity coefficient (CTC). The two individual components in Endigo, Hero, and Athena exhibited synergistic interaction, whereas the components in Leverage (β-cyfluthrin and imidacloprid) exhibited an antagonistic interaction with both resistant TPB populations. Considering that Hero is a mixture of two pyrethroids, to which TPB may develop resistance easily, Endigo and Athena are likely superior products for slowing resistance development in TPB populations. ABSTRACT: Over the past several decades, the extensive use of pyrethroids has led to the development of resistance in many insect populations, including the economically damaging pest tarnished plant bug (TPB), Lygus lineolaris, on cotton. To manage TPB resistance, several commercially formulated pyrethroid-containing binary mixtures, in combination with neonicotinoids or avermectin are recommended for TPB control and resistance management in the mid-South USA. This study aimed to evaluate the toxicity and resistance risks of four formulated pyrethroid-containing binary mixtures (Endigo, Leverage, Athena, and Hero) on one susceptible and two resistant TPB populations, which were field-collected in July (Field-R1) and October (Field-R2), respectively. Based on LC(50) values, both resistant TPB populations displayed variable tolerance to the four binary mixtures, with Hero showing the highest resistance and Athena the lowest. Notably, the Field-R2 exhibited 1.5–3-fold higher resistance compared to the Field-R1 for all four binary insecticides. Moreover, both resistant TPB populations demonstrated significantly higher resistance ratios towards Hero and Leverage compared to their corresponding individual pyrethroid, while Endigo and Athena showed similar or lower resistance. This study also utilized the calculated additive index (AI) and co-toxicity coefficient (CTC) analysis, which revealed that the two individual components in Leverage exhibited antagonist effects against the two resistant TPB populations. In contrast, the two individual components in Endigo, Hero, and Athena displayed synergistic interactions. Considering that Hero is a mixture of two pyrethroids that can enhance the development of TPB resistance, our findings suggest that Endigo and Athena are likely superior products for slowing down resistance development in TPB populations. This study provides valuable insight for selecting the most effective mixtures to achieve better TPB control through synergistic toxicity analysis, while simultaneously reducing economic and environmental risks associated with resistance development in the insect pest.