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

• Published in: The Canadian Entomologist
• Main Authors: Colbo, M. H., O'Brien, H.
• Format: Article in Journal/Newspaper
• Language: English
• Published: Cambridge University Press (CUP) 1984
• Subjects: Insect Science; Molecular Biology; Physiology; Ecology, Evolution, Behavior and Systematics; Structural Biology; Newfoundland
• Online Access: http://dx.doi.org/10.4039/ent1161085-8; https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0008347X00029916

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.