Methoprene treatment increases activity, starvation and desiccation risk of Queensland fruit fly

Accelerating sexual maturation of male Anastrepha ludens (Diptera: Tephritidae) fruit flies by adding two juvenile hormone analogues

BACKGROUND

Improving the mating competitiveness and survival of sterile males are direct means to increase the effectiveness of the sterile insect technique (SIT). Some insecticide growth regulators, such as the juvenile hormone analogue (JHA) methoprene, have been used to improve the mating competitiveness of male tephritid flies by reducing their sexual maturation period. However, the application of methoprene reduces fly resistance to stress and decreases survival. Here, we compared the effects of methoprene and pyriproxyfen (PPF), another JHA, in Anastrepha ludens males. PPF is an insect growth regulator that exhibits higher negative effects on the larval molting process than methoprene or natural juvenile hormone. Both compounds were administered at two doses (0.05% and 0.10%) via the male diet immediately after emergence.

RESULTS

Our results show that both PPF and methoprene reduced male sexual maturation. However, PPF-treated males exhibited a shorter maturation period and obtained more matings at a given age than methoprene-treated males. No significant differences were observed between the two PPF doses tested (0.05% and 0.10%). Male survival was equally reduced by the two compounds.

CONCLUSION

Our results demonstrate that PPF accelerated sexual development without reducing the mating propensity of sterile male flies and can be used as a suitable alternative for methoprene. © 2023 Society of Chemical Industry.