Response of Stomoxys calcitrans and Musca domestica (Diptera: Muscidae) to Volatile Organic Compound Profiles from Ontario, Canada Dairy Farms

Abstract

Stomoxys calcitrans are significant pests of dairy and beef cattle livestock facilities. Their seasonal abundance causes damage to the industry in the United States. While similar damage has been documented in Canada, the majority of the research explores population dynamics of stable flies with respect to seasonal and temporal conditions. Exploring potential semiochemical targets that impact host-parasite interactions, at livestock facilities, can give insight in creating novel integrated pest management (IPM) approaches. We have sampled Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) at dairy farms in Southern Ontario, to determine important components of volatile profiles at such sites. Further, we have used Gas-Chromatography-Electroantennography (GC-EAG) to identify VOCs presenting electrophysiological activity in S. calcitrans, for further exploration of their significance in behavioural modification. The data collected illustrates that VOC profiles taken at livestock facilities are subject to change over the summer months, and has produced novel targets for IPM programs.