Effects of industrial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis on the biology of Musca domestica L. (Diptera : Muscidae).
The effects of two industrial formulations of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bactimos and Vectobac) on larval and adult stages of Musca domestica L. were assessed in the laboratory. Biocides concentrations of 0.4% to 2% were tested on larvae, while the concentrations of 1% and 2% were tested on adults and were given to the flies in their diet. Larval mortality ranged between 38% and 53% and between 55% and 71% for bactimos and Vectobac respectively. Pupation rates decreased from 91% in the control group down to 47% and 29% for Bactimos and Vectobac respectively. Moreover, adult emergence rates decreased 3-4 folds in groups treated with the highest biocide concentrations. The effect on adult mortality was relatively lower, as control adults showed 4% mortality whereas those treated with Bactimos and Vectobac experienced 17-28% and 32-44% mortality respectively. In addition, biocides treatment induced a dramatic decrease in female fecundity from 273 eggs/female in the control to 118-180 eggs/female treated siblings. These findings indicate that Bactimos and Vectobac possess both direct and indirect harmful effects on Musca domestica.
Tharwat
M E
ME
Plant Protection Department, Faculty of Agriculture, Ain Shams University, Cairo, Egypt.
Hassan
A N
AN
Moustafa
A A
AA
Mahran
A H
AH
D000818:Animals; D001413:Bacillus thuringiensis; D002626:Chemistry, Pharmaceutical / Q000379:methods*; D004202:Disinfectants / Q000494:pharmacology*; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects; D006793:Houseflies; D007814:Larva / Q000187:drug effects*; D010058:Oviposition / Q000187:drug effects
D004202:Disinfectants