Measurements by two methods of the susceptibility to DDT and Dieldrin of Glossina palpalis (R.-D.) in Northern Nigeria

Extract

The susceptibilities to DDT and to dieldrin of one-day-old teneral examples of Glossina palpalis (R. -D.), obtained from pupae collected from the field, were measured in the laboratory in Nigeria by two methods, one recommended by the W.H.O. Expert Committee on Insecticides (1963) and the other described by Kernaghan & Johnston (1962).

Pupae were kept in dry sand at a controlled temperature of 78–79°F. and 70–80 per cent. relative humidity until the adult flies emerged, and the latter were then kept individually in 3 × 1 in. glass tubes. All exposures to insecticides were carries out at room temperatures. Five flies were exposed together for one hour in the W.H.O. method, and flies were exposed individually for 1 1/2 minutes in the other method. After exposure, they were kept in a cabinet at 78–79°F. and 60–70 per cent. relative humidity. Mortalities were assessed 8, 24 and 48 hr. after the end of exposure, but only the 24-hr. results are presented. Regression lines and values for LC50’s were calculated by the method of probits

The mortalities amongst untreated flies averaged 5.6 per cent. for males and 5.1 for females, the latter value being insignifiantly affected by the method used. Dieldrin was far more toxic than DDT to both sexes, and females were apparently more susceptible than males to both insecticides; it is suggested that females pick up relatively more of a given deposit because of their greater weight.

The slope of the regression line relating mortality to insecticide concentration was steeper for long exposures than for short ones; it is suggested that this comes about because some insecticide picked up by the flies is lost after they are removed from the treated surface, the loss being relatively greater when greater discussed, and it is concluded that exposure for 1 1/2 minutes is long for satisfactory assessment of susceptibility when continuous contact with the insecticide is ensured (as in the method used for this period), but that exposure for 1 hour, ensuring 100 per cent. mortality at some concentrations, is preferable for detection of resistance. Although mortality from an insecticide may not be completed until 72 hr. after exposure, observations 24 hr. after are considered adequate.

The relative merits of the two methods of testing susceptibility are discussed. It is concluded than the method of Kernaghan & Johnston, which involves less handling and therefore less stimulation of the flies, is the more precise. The impregnated papers available from W.H.O. are a convenient means of exposing flies to known deposits of insecticide.