Why is insecticide resistance management a hot topic in southeastern vegetable crops? The UGA-Tifton Vegetable Entomology Lab`s work profile

Vegetable production in the Southeastern region of the United States is high-value, intensively managed, and often year-round due to the region's warm climate zone. However, this also promotes the proliferation of pests, demanding the frequent use of insecticides. Consequently, insecticide resistance management (IRM) has become a critical issue in the production of vegetables and associated crops, with a particular focus on key pests that develop high levels of resistance, such as whiteflies and diamondback moths. The University of Georgia Vegetable Entomology Lab is dedicated to identifying avenues for research and developing effective IRM strategies. The main IRM projects are comprised of: i. identification of resistance levels to commonly used insecticides in Georgia and Florida; ii. development of quick, accurate, and precise insecticide bioassays to predict field efficacy; iii. determination and quantification of genes related to metabolic or target-site resistance from different populations; iv. analysis of sublethal effects of insecticides on reproduction (because by definition, resistant populations are being exposed to sublethal doses), and metabolomic profiling parameters that are crucial for understanding underlying physiological mechanisms of resistance. Additionally, research efforts on other, difficult-to-manage specialty crops pests like pepper weevils, onion thrips, and cowpea curculio are ongoing and multifaceted. Ultimately, the Lab aims to contribute to the long-term sustainability of vegetable production in the Southeastern region and to become a model for intensive vegetable IPM and IRM worldwide.