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ARS Home » Midwest Area » Peoria, Illinois » National Center for Agricultural Utilization Research » Bio-oils Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #364890
Research Project: Replacement of Petroleum Products Utilizing Off-Season Rotational Crops

Location: Bio-oils Research

Title: Spatial and contact repellency of coconut materials against biting flies

Author
item Cermak, Steven - Steve
item RHO, GWANG - University Of Nebraska
item Kenar, James - Jim
item Zhu, Junwei - Jerry

Submitted to: Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/22/2019
Publication Date: 9/8/2019
Citation: Cermak, S.C., Rho, G., Kenar, J.A., Zhu, J.J. 2019. Spatial and contact repellency of coconut materials against biting flies [abstract]. Association for the Advancement of Industrial Crops Conference.

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Many blood-sucking insects are capable of transmitting human and animal pathogens worldwide. Repellants are a primary tool for reducing the impact of biting insects on humans and animals. A new inexpensive derivative from coconut oil (fatty acids and esters) were found to be excellent insect repellents. Stable flies are one of the most detrimental arthropod pests to U.S. livestock. With changing climate and agronomic practices, they have expanded their roles as pests and disease vectors. Their painful bites reduce livestock productivity, annoy companion animals, and interfere with human recreational activities. Current management technologies are unable to effectively manage stable flies. The present study reports new data concerning the contact and spatial repellency antifeedancy, and toxicity of coconut oil fatty acids and their methyl ester derivatives to stable flies.