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ARS Home » Plains Area » Lincoln, Nebraska » Agroecosystem Management Research » Research » Publications at this Location » Publication #304822
Title: Behavioural responses of stable flies to cattle manure slurry associated odourants

Author
item TANGTRAKULWANICH, KHANOBPORN - University Of Nebraska
item ALBUQUERQUE, THAIS - Kansas State University
item BREWER, GARY - University Of Nebraska
item BAXENDALE, FEDERICK - University Of Nebraska
item ZUREK, LUDEK - Kansas State University
item Miller, Daniel
item Taylor, David
item Friesen, Kristina
item Zhu, Junwei - Jerry

Submitted to: Medical and Veterinary Entomology
Publication Type: Peer Reviewed Journal
Publication Acceptance Date: 10/26/2014
Publication Date: 1/1/2015
Citation: Tangtrakulwanich, K., Albuquerque, T.A., Brewer, G.J., Baxendale, F.P., Zurek, L., Miller, D.N., Taylor, D.B., Friesen, K.M., Zhu, J.J. 2015. Behavioural responses of stable flies to cattle manure slurry associated odourants. Medical and Veterinary Entomology. 2015:1-6. DOI: 10.1111/MVE.12103.

Interpretive Summary: Stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) are blood-feeding synanthropic pests that can cause significant economic losses in livestock through weight loss. Earlier studies have shown that stable fly antennae respond to host and host environment-associated odors. Field observation showed that the abundance of stable flies significantly increased in grasslands or crop fields where cattle manure slurry was applied, which indicated that volatiles associated with manure slurry may contribute the increased attraction as observed.

Technical Abstract: Stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans [Diptera: Muscidae] L.) are blood-feeding synanthropic pests, which cause significant economic losses in livestock. Stable fly antennae contain olfactory sensilla responsive to host and host environment-associated odours. Field observation indicated that the abundance of stable flies increased significantly in grasslands or crop fields when cattle manure slurry was applied. Major volatile compounds emanating from manure slurry were collected and identified. Behavioural responses of stable flies to those compounds were investigated in laboratory bioassays and field-trapping studies. Results from olfactometer assays revealed that phenol, p-cresol and m-cresol were attractive to adult stable flies. When tested individually, attraction was higher with lower dosages. Stable flies were most attracted to blends of phenol and m-cresol or p-cresol. Traps with binary blend lures caught more stable flies in field trials as well.