Mechanism of Lindane Resistance in Tribolium castaneum (Herbst)

The in vivo and in vitro metabolism of C-lindane was studied in susceptible and lindane- resistant strains of Tribolium castaneum (Herbst). Both strains detoxified the insecticide in vivo, but the resistant strain produced more of the metabolites. Microsomal and post-microsomal supernatant fractions of resistant adults degraded lindane at a faster rate than their susceptible counterparts. Piperonyl butoxide suppressed a part of lindane-resistance and inhibited in vitro metabolism of the insecticide. Adults of the resistant strain have been shown to excrete significantly higher proportion of radiolabel mainly in the form of parent lindane than those of the susceptible strain. No difference was found between the two strains in the rate of penetration and dislodgement of the compound. The indications of the presence of mechanism(s) other than detoxication and excretion of the insecticide in the lindane resistant strain of T. castaneum waa slso obtained.