Susceptibility of house flies and their parasitoids to pyriproxyfen in the U.S. and Israel

Authors: Geden, Christopher - Chris; CHIEL, ELAD - UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA; BIALE, HAIM - UNIVERSITY OF HAIFA

Submitted to: Meeting Abstract
Publication Type: Abstract Only
Publication Acceptance Date: 7/1/2017
Publication Date: N/A
Citation: N/A

Interpretive Summary: Abstract only.

Technical Abstract: The house fly, Musca domestica L., is an important pest of animal agriculture. Effective fly management requires integration of manure management, mass trapping, biological control, and selective insecticide use. Insecticidal control of house flies is difficult due to the rapidity of resistance development, yet the insect growth regulator pyriproxyfen (PPF) is one of few insecticides that may still be effective. Here, we tested the susceptibility of four wild house fly populations in the USA and in Israel to PPF, as well as the effect of PPF on house fly parasitoids of the genera Muscidifurax and Spalangia. Results: Most house fly populations from both countries were completely eliminated at PPF concentrations of 0.001% (USA) and 0.006% (Israel). One population from each country exhibited initial levels of PPF-tolerance. Emergence rates of parasitoids developing in PPF-treated hosts at concentrations of 0.06% and up were significantly affected, whereas other fitness parameters were moderately- to non-affected. The results varied between parasitoid species and countries. Conclusions: PPF is still an effective tool for house fly control, but resistance management practices should be employed to avoid resistance. PPF is compatible with principal house fly parasitoids at low concentrations and is suitable for use in IPM.