Contact and Fumigant Toxicity of a Botanical-Based Feeding Deterrent of the Stable Fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract

The stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (L.), has been considered one of the most serious biting flies of confined and pastured livestock. The economic losses caused by the stable fly to the cattle industry in the United States exceed $2 billion annually. Current practices for managing stable flies using insecticides provide only marginal control. Insecticide resistance has also been recently reported in stable flies. The present study reports the use of plant-based insecticides, for example, essential oils, as alternatives for managing this fly pest. The toxicity of several plant essential oils and selected ingredient compounds was evaluated by contact and fumigant toxicity bioassays. Catnip oil (20 mg dosage) showed the highest toxicity against stable flies, the shortest knock-down time (∼7 min), and the quickest lethal time (∼19 min). Toxicity levels similar to catnip oil were found among three insect repellent compounds (N,N-diethyl-3-methylbenzamide, 2-methylpiperidinyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxamide, (1S,2′S)-2-methylpiperidinyl-3-cyclohexene-1-carboxamide). No differences in knock-down and lethal times were found among the catnip oil and its two active ingredient compounds. Similar stable fly mortality was observed using a 20 mg dose of catnip oil in a modified K&D system and a fumigant jar. When catnip oil was topically applied to stable flies, the least lethal dose was 12.5 μg/fly, and a 50 μg/fly dose resulted in 100% mortality. The blood-feeding behavior of stable flies was also negatively affected by the topical application of catnip oil, and the effect was dose-dependent. This study demonstrated that catnip oil has both contact and fumigant toxicity against the stable fly and thus has the potential as an alternative for stable fly control.

Comparisons of antifeedancy and spatial repellency of three natural product repellents against horn flies, Haematobia irritans (Diptera: Muscidae)

“…It is uncertain that the decrease in horn fly population in the field was due to our testing or to other causes. Catnip oil has been reported to have contact and fumigant toxicity against biting flies . Geraniol and C8910 acids also possess low toxicity .…”

“…Catnip oil has been reported to have contact and fumigant toxicity against biting flies. 31 Geraniol and C8910 acids also possess low toxicity. 18,19,32 Our laboratory antifeedancy assays (20 mg treatment) demonstrated that the tested horn flies were knocked down in less than 10 min from catnip oil and geraniol, which indicate their toxic effects as well.…”

Spatial repellency, antifeedant activity and toxicity of three medium chain fatty acids and their methyl esters of coconut fatty acid against stable flies

“…The use of botanically derived repellents or biopesticides is an alternative option for their management that is economically viable and environmentally safe. Zhu and coworkers have shown that essential oils derived from catnip ( Nepeta cataria ) and Geranium species exhibit strong repellency against biting flies, including stable fly. Zhu et al .…”

“…[21][22][23][24][25] The use of botanically derived repellents or biopesticides is an alternative option for their management that is economically viable and environmentally safe. Zhu and coworkers 26,27 have shown that essential oils derived from catnip (Nepeta cataria) and Geranium species exhibit strong repellency against biting flies, including stable fly. Zhu et al 28 also reported that stable fly larval growth and female oviposition was inhibited in developmental substrates treated with encapsulated catnip oil.…”

Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Norcantharidin Derivatives Possessing an Aromatic Amine Moiety as Antifungal Agents

“…Hence, insecticides of natural source have been considered as attractive alternatives to synthetic agrochemicals for pest management [7]. Bio-based insecticides, such as nereistoxin, nicotine, pyrethrum, and neem extracts, are made by organisms as defense against insects [8].…”