§ Mr. Martyn JonesTo ask the Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food what problems over the last 12 months have been reported to his Department with regard to the development of resistance in the pests affecting potatoes to the pesticides used; and if he will make a statement regarding the research his Department is commissioning or evaluating to rectify(a) these and (b) other cases of pests developing a resistance to specific agrochemical applications. [2320]
§ Mrs. BrowningRecent reports of resistance problems in pest control on potatoes have related to outbreaks of the peach-potato aphid, Myzus persicae. One resistant strain is well known and can be controlled by insecticides containing pirimicarb. A new resistance mechanism emerged in late summer 1996 in aphids established in parts of Lincolnshire.
MAFF has agreed specific work on the monitoring and management of insecticide resistance in Myzus persicae and is conducting a continuing programme of research 579W projects on identifying and combating pest resistance at a cost of about £1 million per year.