Formulation of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone mimic, for tsetse control

Area of Science:

• Entomology
• Insecticide Development
• Reproductive Biology

Background:

• Tsetse flies (Glossina morsitans morsitans) are vectors of African trypanosomiasis.
• Sterile insect techniques are crucial for vector control.
• Novel methods for inducing sterility in tsetse flies are needed.

Purpose of the Study:

• To evaluate the efficacy of pyriproxyfen, a juvenile hormone mimic, in inducing sterility in tsetse flies.
• To determine the minimum effective dose and routes of administration for pyriproxyfen.
• To assess the potential of pyriproxyfen for field application in tsetse fly control.

Main Methods:

• Topical application of pyriproxyfen to adult female tsetse flies.
• Administration of radiolabeled pyriproxyfen to in utero larvae.
• Exposure of tsetse flies to pyriproxyfen-treated targets and assessment of mating transfer.
• Evaluation of offspring viability following parental exposure.

Main Results:

• A topical dose of 0.02 microgram pyriproxyfen caused lifelong non-viable offspring production in female tsetse flies.
• As little as 0.001 microgram of pyriproxyfen transferred to a larva arrested pupal development.
• Treated targets allowed females to pick up 0.1 microgram of pyriproxyfen, leading to non-viable offspring for at least two reproductive cycles.
• Males transferred pyriproxyfen to females, with 0.1 microgram required for a treated male to disrupt his mate's reproductive potential.

Conclusions:

• Pyriproxyfen effectively induces sterility in both male and female tsetse flies.
• Low doses of pyriproxyfen are sufficient to disrupt tsetse fly reproduction.
• Treated targets and traps offer a promising strategy for field control of tsetse flies using pyriproxyfen.