Location: Agroecosystem Management Research
Project Number: 3042-10400-001-011-I
Project Type: Interagency Reimbursable Agreement
Start Date: Aug 1, 2026
End Date: Jul 30, 2028
Objective:
This proposal is to implement a viable control method using novel Push-Pull strategies for the prevention of the New World Screwworm (NWS) spread northward in the US. The USDA discovered long-lasting feeding and oviposition deterrent formulations containing coconut fatty acids and the EPA exemptive essential oils will be applied to NWS infested animals and oviposition sites to trapping devices that baited NWS oviposition attractant lures (Pull strategy). These practical control tools will be enabled to not only reduce the risk of animals being infected but further reduce their future generation that may lead to further damage. Such a strategy can strongly to improve the current SIT technologies as an additional layer of prevention and protection.
Approach:
Technical Approaches include 1). Screening the repellent formulations containing USDA-discovered coconut fatty acids and other EPA exemptive list of essential oils and compounds (C25); 2). Identification of attractant compounds associated with screwworm habitats and infested animals for an effective oviposition lure; 3). Evaluation of Repellents/deterrents on primary and secondary screwworms; 4).Efficacy tests of attractant lure and repellent formulation under both laboratory and field conditions.