Data from: A proof-of-concept experimental-theoretical model to predict pesticide resistance evolution
Data files
Sep 04, 2025 version files 2.43 MB
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four_strains_generation_time.xlsx
8.72 KB
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in_vivo_ivermectin_selection.xlsx
10.32 KB
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in_vivo_spirotetramt_selection.xlsx
13.50 KB
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JD608_ivermectin_dose_survival.xlsx
8.75 KB
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LP_chemical_susceptibility_results.pzfx
2.35 MB
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PD4792_ivermectin_dose_survival.xlsx
9.69 KB
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PD4792_spirotetramat_dose_survival.xlsx
8.78 KB
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README.md
4.04 KB
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SR42_spirotetramat_dose_survival.xlsx
8.74 KB
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three_strains_fecundity.xlsx
9.83 KB
Abstract
Insecticide resistance poses a major challenge to sustainable agriculture, yet studying its evolution in laboratory settings is notoriously difficult due to challenges related to maintaining large populations of pest species. While theoretical models offer valuable predictions, an experimental system for validating insecticide resistance management strategies remains lacking. Here, we explore C. elegans as a model organism for studying insecticide resistance evolution. We developed an in silico population genetics model and tested its predictive power in laboratory experiments, comparing the computational predictions to experimental resistance selection dynamics. Two compounds with distinct modes of action were tested to assess the generalizability of this system across different resistance mechanisms. Our results showed that in silico predictions generally resembled multigenerational in vivo resistance selection outcomes, demonstrating the feasibility of integrating in vivo and in silico modelling approaches in resistance research. By bridging the gap between theoretical and empirical research, this framework paves the way for addressing a wide range of open questions in resistance management, permitting the development of better-informed and more effective resistance management strategies for the agricultural industry.
The data archived here contains information relevant to the wild isolate chemical susceptibility screen, baseline dose-survival, and fitness data on PD4792, SR42, and JD608 strains, which were further characterised in this study, as well as the data on experimental microevolution of chemical resistance.
Dataset DOI: 10.5061/dryad.d7wm37qd1
Description of the data and file structure
Chemical susceptibility screen
A panel of 24 geographically distinct wild C. elegans isolates were assayed on twenty-eight pesticidal chemicals. Ten worms at the L1 stage (first larvae stage) were transferred exposed to compound at 5 or 50 ppm dissolved in nematode growth media, and drug sensitivity was qualitatively characterised on a scale of 1 to 4.
In the PRISM .pzfx file, "Data 1" contains the aggregate data arranged by chemicals down each column, and wild isolate strains across each column; "Data 2" contains the same data transposed, with strain names down the rows and chemical names across the columns. The remaining tabs consists of granular data for each chemical tested, and strain names are as annotated in the header row.
Dose-survival curves
Dose-survival was measured by exposing 100 worm eggs to various concentration of compound dissolved in nematode growth media and counting the number of worms surviving to adulthood on day 4.
Developmental time assay
Developmental timing was assayed by leaving 50 eggs in each well of a 12-well plate, after 60 hours of incubation at 20 degrees, the hour at which first eggs were laid by the developed adults was recorded.
96-hour fecundity assay
The 96-hour fecundity was assayed by counting the number of eggs present on NGM plates seeded with a single worm per well.
In vivo resistance microevolution
Resistance selection was induced by dissolving chemical compound on NGM plates. Ivermectin selection was carried out at 22.5 degrees, spirotetramat selection at 20 degrees. Resistant worms were introduced to the population at generation 0, and frequency of resistance was monitored at the end of each generation.
Files and variables
File: four_strains_generation_time.xlsx
Description: Generation time data for four C. elegans strains relevant to the study.
Variables
- Header of each column is strain name.
File: in_vivo_ivermectin_selection.xlsx
Description: Resistance frequency change upon ivermectin selection in vivo and related negative control.
Variables
- Header has information on condition, replicate number, generation number, and resistance frequency.
File: LP_chemical_susceptibility_results.pzfx
Description: Chemical susceptibility data for 24 wild C. elegans isolates on 28 pesticidal compounds.
File: JD608_ivermectin_dose_survival.xlsx
Description: Dose-survival curve for the ivermectin-resistant JD608 strain on ivermectin.
Variables
- Header is compound concentration.
File: in_vivo_spirotetramt_selection.xlsx
Description: Resistance frequency change upon spirotetramat selection in vivo and related negative control.
Variables
- Header has information on condition, replicate number, generation number, and resistance frequency.
File: PD4792_ivermectin_dose_survival.xlsx
Description: Dose-survival curve for the ivermectin-susceptible PD4792 strain on ivermectin.
Variables
- Header is compound concentration.
File: PD4792_spirotetramat_dose_survival.xlsx
Description: Dose-survival curve for the spirotetramat-susceptible PD4792 strain on spirotetramat.
Variables
- Header is compound concentration.
File: SR42_spirotetramat_dose_survival.xlsx
Description: Dose-survival curve for the spirotetramat-resistant SR42 strain on spirotetramat.
Variables
- Header is compound concentration.
File: three_strains_fecundity.xlsx
Description: 96-hour fecundity of three C. elegans strains used in the study.
Variables
- Header is strain name_temperature.
Code/software
Chemical susceptibility data is stored in a GraphPad Prism format, all other files can be opened with Microsoft Excel (or any csv viewer).