Spatial and contact repellency of medium chain fatty acids and their methyl esters against stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans

Authors: GWANG, HYUN ROH - Gyeongsang National University; Cermak, Steven - Steve; Kenar, James - Jim; Zhu, Junwei - Jerry

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 8/28/2019
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary:

Technical Abstract: Stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans L., is one of major biting flies that mainly feeds on bovids and equines worldwide. Recently, it has been reported that stable flies also cause significant economic losses in livestock industry. The present study reports that olfactory and behavioral responses of stable flies to the newly identified repellent compounds from coconut oil (medium chain fatty acids) and their derivatives, corresponding methyl esters. Electroantennogram experiments showed that antennae of stable fly responded to C6, C8, C10 acids and their blend mixtures in both sexes, with higher responses observed to C12 acid only in females. Furthermore, two methyl esters of C8 and C10 elicited significantly higher antennal responses at higher doses tested from both males and females. However, male antennal responses were elicited only to laurate at the highest dose. Laboratory behavioral tests were conducted in a modified single cage wind tunnel, and it revealed that two compounds, C6 acid and C8 methyl ester, showed strong spatial repellency activities. Interestingly, stable flies were attractive to C18-1 acid and C8 methyl ester (at 1000 µg at 500 µg, respectively), compared to control. These new findings could be used to develop useful alternative control tools for stable fly management via push-pull strategies.