Sterilising effects of benzyl-l,3-benzodioxoles on the tsetse fly Glossina morsitans morsitans Westwood (Diptera: Glossinidae)

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Abstract
Three benzyl-l,3-benzodioxoles and three benzylphenols were tested for their ability to sterilise Glossina morsitans morsitans Westw. following topical application in acetone. Two of the former compounds, 5-ethoxy-6- (4-methoxyphenylmethyl)-l,3-benzodioxole and 5-ethoxy-6-[l-(4-meth-oxyphenyl)ethyl]-l,3-benzodioxole, caused total sterility in females at a dose of 10 μg per fly, and remained effective even after one year's storage at 4°C. Dose-fecundity data indicate a reduction to 50% fecundity (ED50) was achieved with 2·5 μg of the former or 0·5 μg of the latter per fly. An ED90 of 8·5 μg and 2·5 μg, respectively, is indicated. The latter compound reduced the survival of treated females and males and surviving males were incapable of inseminating even though copulation appeared normal. The effects on female survival and fecundity, of feeding the compounds at 0·25 and 1·0% in blood, were variable, owing to their low solubility and variations in the size of blood-meals. The highest doses of the former compound led to ovarian atrophy in females, which can be described as an effect on fecundity. Lower doses induced sterility through egg death and atrophy after ovulation. The latter compound acted more rapidly than the former, preventing ovulation of the first mature oocyte in a higher proportion of flies. The activity of these compounds, which were derived by modification of plant materials, and are non-mutagenic, renders them likely candidates for evaluation as contact insecticides for Glossina in the field.