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A PILOT BLACK FLY (DIPTERA: SIMULIIDAE) CONTROL PROGRAM USING BACILLUS THURINGIENSIS VAR. ISRAELENSIS IN NEWFOUNDLAND

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  31 May 2012

M. H. Colbo
Affiliation:
Research Unit on Vector Pathology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's A1C 5S7
H. O'Brien
Affiliation:
Research Unit on Vector Pathology, Memorial University of Newfoundland, St. John's A1C 5S7

Abstract

A pilot black fly control program using Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis on a small stream system near St. John's, Newfoundland resulted in a 70% or greater population reduction of adult black flies from the previous year. The species present in the system were Prosimulium mixtum, Stegopterna mutata, Eusimulium vernum, Simulium tuberosum, S. venustum/verecundum complex, and S. vittatum. The formulation used was Teknar® flowable concentrate (Sandoz Inc.) rated at 600 ITU/mg which proved effective against the larval stages of all black fly species at a dose of 10 ppm for 1 min. The results indicated that this agent will be effective if applied at the appropriate locations and times. The 1-min dose was practical except in very cold water (0°–7 °C) where a 5-min or longer dose may be required. The unpredictable relief pattern of the northern streams resulted in a highly variable downstream carry for the B.t.i. Therefore application sites must be determined by a stream survey and not just from discharge characteristics.

Résumé

Un programme pilote de lutte biologique contre les mouches noires effectué sur un petit ruisseau près de St. John's, Terre-Neuve, a réduit de 70% ou plus la population de mouches noires adultes par rapport à l'année précédente. Les espèces présentes étaient Prosimulium mixtum, Stegopterna mutata, Eusimulium vernum, Simulium tuberosum, le complexe S. venustum/verecundum, et S. vittatum. La formule de Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis utilisée était le concentré Teknar® (Sandoz Inc.) classé à 600 ITU/mg, lequel s'est avéré efficace contre les larves de toutes les espèces à la dose de 10 ppm pendant 1 minute. Les résultats ont montré que ce produit sera efficace lorsqu'appliqué en temps et lieux appropriés. La dose de 1 minute est praticable sauf dans l'eau très froide (0–7 °C) alors qu'une dose de 5 minutes ou plus pourrait s'avérer nécessaire. Le cours imprévisible des ruisseaux nordiques résulte en une distribution très variable du B.t.i. vers l'aval. Pour cette raison, les sites d'application doivent être établis après inspection du ruisseau et non pas seulement d'après le débit du ruisseau.

Type
Articles
Copyright
Copyright © Entomological Society of Canada 1984

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