ARS | Publication request: Chemical Ecology of Stable Fly and Its Future Practical Applications in Control

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: September 26, 2010
Publication Date: N/A

Interpretive Summary: The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans L., and the screwworm, Cochiomyia hominivorax (Coquerel) are two most serious livestock pests that primarily feeds on a wide range of livestock animals. The damage caused by the infestation of these two pests has also led to increased disease incidence, reproductive failure and reduction of meat and milk yields, with estimated economic loss up to billions of dollars in US beef and dairy industry alone. The current presentation reports our recent discoveries on the identification of potential attractant volatile compounds from their hosts and oviposition media. Further analyses on identifying bacteria species involved in oviposition site selection were performed. Botanical-based filthy fly repellents were explored as well. Electrophysiological and behavioral tests of the identified candidate compounds were evaluated in both lab bioassays and field trials. Their implications in the future development of Push-Pull strategy using these potential attractants and the behavioral inhibitants/repellents in fly management.

Technical Abstract: The present study reports the discovery of several manure/bacterial associated volatile compounds that may be used as chemical cues for gravid females of the stable fly and the screwworm for oviposition location. Among them, phenol and p- or m-cresol elicited significant EAG responses, but only the former one has the behavioral activity (stable fly).The latter compounds showed as behavioral antagonistic effects on stable flies. 1-Octen-3-ol, the signature volatile compound from fermenting grass emulsion as mosquito oviposition attractant, elicited the highest behavioral responses from female antennae, also show moderate responses in the lab behavioral assays. Volatile compounds, such as dimethyl disulfide, dimethyl trisulfide, phenol, cresol and indole identified from decomposing liver and associated bacteria were attractive to gravid females of the srewworm. The blend containing these 5 compounds has demonstrated strong egg-laying activity in the laboratory. Field trials using the above identified attractant blend will be conducted in both Panama and the US.