ARS | Publication request: Effects of pyriproxyfen and buprofezin on immature development, female oviposition, and egg-hatching in the stable fly

Submitted to: Livestock Insect Worker's Conference Annual Meeting
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: May 13, 2011
Publication Date: N/A

Technical Abstract: The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.) (Diptera: Muscidae), is one of the most economically significant biting flies affecting cattle. Use of traditional insecticides have only limited success in control of stable flies largely due to the stable fly’s unique feeding behaviors and immature development sites. Insect growth regulators (IGRs), including pyriproxyfen and buprofezin, have been successfully used to control many insect pests. However, their effects on the stable fly have not been studied. A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the effects of pyriproxyfen and buprofezin on the development of immature stages of the stable fly and the effects of pyriproxyfen on oviposition and egg-hatching. Both pyriproxyfen and buprofezin had significant inhibitory effects on immature development when larvae were fed manure treated with different IGR concentrations. The LC50s of pyriproxyfen and buprofezin were 0.002 ppm and 18.92 ppm, respectively. Pyriproxyfen at the concentration of 0.005 ppm caused 89.81% reduction in adult emergence, while buprofezin at 75 ppm achieved 75.39% reduction in adult emergence. Topical treatment of adult females with different doses of pyriproxyfen had significant effects on both female oviposition and egg hatching when the females were treated at a younger age (1-3 day old). The effect was dose-dependent. A reduction (up to 74%) in the number of eggs laid per female was achieved at higher doses (2-8 µg/fly). A significant reduction (77%) in oviposition was observed only at the highest dose (8 µg/fly) when 5 day old females were treated. Pyriproxyfen also significantly reduced egg hatching in a dose dependant manner when females were treated at a younger age (1-3 d). Little effect on egg hatching was observed when 5 day old females were treated. Results from this study indicate pyriproxyfen has the potential to be used as part of integrated stable fly control strategies.