Quantitative genetic tools for insecticide resistance risk assessment: estimating the heritability of resistance

Abstract

Quantitative genetic studies of resistance can provide estimates of genetic parameters not available with other types of genetic analyses. Three methods are discussed for estimating the amount of additive genetic variation in resistance to individual insecticides and subsequent estimation of heritability (h²) of resistance. Sibling analysis and offspring parent regression permit direct estimates of h² by comparing the resistance phenotypes of individuals of known relatedness. Threshold trait analyses, performed on data from selection experiments, provide estimates of realized heritability. Procedures are outlined for predicting changes in resistance to insecticides based on h² estimates. Quantitative genetic theory is examined as it relates to resistance and resistance as a quantitative trait; quantitative genetic methods also are unique in providing estimates of genetic correlations between traits. Comments are includes on estimates of genetic correlation between resistance and phenotypic traits (e.g., development time) and how they may be used to predict changes in the genetic aspects of phenology that results from insecticide applications (i.e., to predict how the reproductive capacity of future generations will differ ffrom that of the treated generation).

Keywords

insecta, sibling analysis, offspring-parent regression, threshold trait analysis

Citation

Firko, Michael J.; Hayes, Jane Leslie. 1990. Quantitative genetic tools for insecticide resistance risk assessment: estimating the heritability of resistance. Journal of Economic Entomology, Vol. 83(3)647-654