Understanding olfactory cues in host location and dispersal range of the filth fly parasitoid Spalangia cameroni (Hymenoptera:Pteromalidae) to improve the use as sustainable biological control agents for fly control on livestock operations

Understanding olfactory cues in host location and dispersal range of the filth fly parasitoid Spalangia cameroni (Hymenoptera:Pteromalidae) to improve the use as sustainable biological control agents for fly control on livestock operations

Summary

Pupal parasitoids are often used as sustainable biological control options for filth fly pests on livestock operations. Filth flies, such as stable flies (Stomoxys calcitrans) and house flies (Musca domestica), are mechanical vectors of disease and can cause pain and losses of condition to livestock.

Conventional control of these pests has relied on high doses of various insecticides. Filth fly pests are becoming increasingly resistant to many licensed insecticides and the increase of chemical use is harmful to the environment. The purpose of this project is to improve the use of pupal parasitoids of filth flies as part of a sustainable biological control program on livestock operations.

Impacts of this research include increasing the effectiveness of the parasitoids, reducing exposure of humans and animals to toxic insecticides, managing insecticide resistance by improving sustainable biological control options and ultimately reducing cost and increasing the use of these parasitoids to manage filth flies.

Current work on this project is focusing on finalizing the calibration of the olfactometer and initial tests of parasitoids to odor sources. Data analysis is being organized and conducted from field research.

Objectives/Performance Targets

The goal of this research is to (1) define the odor cues which influence host location by filth fly parasitoids, (2) assess dispersal to hosts sites from release locations in the field, and (3) increase the operator awareness of biological control of filth flies.

Goal (1): Define the odor cues which influence host location by filth fly parasitoids

1) Objective 1: To assess the attraction of S. cameroni to the larvae of house flies at different concentrations.

2) Objective 2: To assess the attraction of S. cameroni to manures of three different farm animals and the attraction to the interaction between developing larvae in the manure.

Goal (2): Assessment of dispersal to hosts sites from release locations in the field

3) Objective 3: To assess dispersal range of S. cameroni when hosts are immediately present at many distances and when hosts are not immediately available.

Goal (3): Outreach and extension activities to increase the operator awareness of biological control of filth flies.

4) Objective 4: Development of an extension publication to assist farmers in the use and selection of parasitic wasps for filth fly control.

Accomplishments/Milestones

Thus far, the project has remained consistent with the suggested timeline in the proposal submission.

The goal of this research is to (1) define the odor cues which influence host location by filth fly parasitoids, (2) assess dispersal to hosts sites from release locations in the field, and (3) increase the operator awareness of biological control of filth flies.
1) Objective 1 & 2: Appropriate glassware for research experiments has been received. Experimental protocols have been defined and preliminary tests have been initiated with parasitoids from a new 2012 colony and odor sources. Rearing of larvae for experiments in manure concentrations has been tested and protocols established. The proposal was to use a 2010 colony, but establishment of a 2012 colony allowed us to ensure the more accurate behavioral responses. The location of the olfactometer testing has been set up to include a safe-light and black covers to the test area to reduce visual stimuli.
3) Objective 3: All testing of parasitoid dispersal range was tested through the summer 2012. Ranges 1 to 60 meters were tested in a choice and no choice test.
Objective 4: Preliminary research towards extension publication for horse owners has been conducted.

Impacts and Contributions/Outcomes

This research will lead to a better understanding of the biology and behavior of this common species of pupal parasitoid on Florida livestock facilities and will provide the fundamental work necessary to begin to isolate volatile chemicals associated with positive parasitoid responses. These volatile chemicals could lead to the development of field monitoring techniques for parasitoids or to lures to draw natural populations to a pest area.

Additionally, as part of Objective 4,Results from this study will be communicated to farmers and extension agents through a single reference document created to assist livestock operators in selecting and implementing the use of parasitic wasps for filth fly control on their facilities. This information will be published through EDIS (Electronic Delivery Information System) at the University of Florida, an online database.

The result of this research will be presented at the annual meeting of the Entomological Society of America in Austin, TX in the fall of 2013. It is expected that the results of this research will also be submitted for publication in a scientific journal (i.e., Biological Control).

Collaborators: