The effects of triflumuron, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, on the housefly,Musca domestica(Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract

The effects of the chitin synthesis inhibitor triflumuron, 2-chloro-N- [[[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino]carbonyl]benzamide, on the housefly, Musca domestica Linnaeus were examined in the laboratory. A dose of 1 fig of triflumuron applied topically to adult females of M. domestica resulted in egg hatch inhibition greater than 95%. At doses below 1 ug applied topically to adult females, subsequent hatched larvae were also highly sensitive to triflumuron; 0.5 |Xg applied topically produced 25% inhibition of egg hatch, but of the larvae that eclosed, only 20% survived to pupation. Hence, a dose of 0.5 fig applied to adults gave a total mortality of 85%. The effects of a single topical application of triflumuron declined over time in a dose dependent manner. After a dose of 1 \xg, < 5% of the first egg batch hatched, however, after 14 days egg hatch had risen to > 90%. Topically applied triflumuron was most effective in inhibiting egg hatch when applied to females less than 3 days old. After 60 min tarsal contact with 20% triflumuron suspension concentrate on poly cotton cloth, 100% egg hatch inhibition was maintained for up to 1 week. Lower contact times, or triflumuron concentrations, gave lower percentage mortalities. The results suggest that triflumuron has considerable potential as a control agent for incorporation into autosterilizing devices for housefly control. However, further work is required to develop delivery systems capable of transferring an effective dose to females under field conditions.

The use of triflumuron on sugar‐baited targets for autosterilization of the housefly, Musca domestica

“…Three were dipped in 10% triflumuron suspension concentrate (s.c.) in 50% W/V sucrose solution and allowed to dry. Previous work has shown that dipping cloth in 10% triflumuron s.c. gives 1.375 mg of A.I./cm 2 (Howard & Wall, 1995). The fourth, control target was dipped in 50% W/V sucrose solution only.…”

“…To allow the effects of a lower concentration of triflumuron on egg hatch and larval mortality to be determined, the procedure described above was also repeated three times using targets dipped in a 3% triflumuron s.c. and 50% W/V sucrose solution and left hanging for 21 days. Previous work has shown that dipping cloth in a 3% triflumuron s.c. gives 0.328 mg of A.I./cm 2 (Howard & Wall, 1995).…”

“…A 2.5 cm diameter disc of polyester cloth was dipped in a 20% triflumuron s.c. and allowed to dry for approximately 30 rain. Previous work has shown that dipping the cloth in 20% s.c. gives 2.47 g of A.I./cm 2 (Howard & Wall, 1995). The dosed cloth was then attached to the tip of a wooden peg 7 cm in length and 1.5 cm in diameter using a staple.…”

“…The insect growth regulators (IGRs) may hold considerable potential for the control of dipterous insects (Wright & Spates, 1976;Wright & Harris, 1976;Pickens & DeMilo, 1977;Chang, 1979;Knapp & Herald, 1982, 1983. Topical or tarsal contact by adults with the chitin synthesis inhibitor triflumuron, 2-chloro-N- [[[4-(trifluoromethoxy)phenyl]amino]carbonyl]benzamide has been shown to result in transovarial ovicidal and larvicidal effects in the face fly, Musca autumnalis and the house fly, M. domestica (Knapp & Herald, 1983;Knapp & Cilek, 1988;Howard & Wall, 1995). However, IGRs have not yet been used successfully for autosterilization, largely because of the lack of a delivery system which will allow flies to pick up an effective dose.…”

“…However, IGRs have not yet been used successfully for autosterilization, largely because of the lack of a delivery system which will allow flies to pick up an effective dose. For example, the production of significant ovicidal effects in M. domestica, requires tarsal contact by adult females with a surface treated with a 20% triflumuron suspension concentrate for a minimum of 1 h (Howard & Wall, 1995). Such high doses and long contact times are unrealistic in a practical control device.…”