The use of synergists is an important tool to determine resistance mechanisms in insect species. In this research, the synergist piperonyl butoxide (PBO) was used, in different proportions, to evaluate the relative contribution of oxidase enzymes in the metabolism of the organophosphorous insecticide fenitrothion and the pyrethroid deltamethrin, on four Oryzaephilus surinamensis strains: OS1 (susceptible) and OS2, OS3 and OS4 (resistants). The synergist increased deltamethrin toxicity significantly in resistant strains, indicating that oxidases play an important role in deltamethrin resistance. On the other hand, PBO showed antagonistic effect to fenitrothion, reducing its toxicity significantly, indicating that this synergist is not adequate for mixtures with organophosphorous compounds.
Organophosphorous insecticide; pyrethroid insecticide; synergism
