Effects of plant-derived compounds on larvae of a blow fly species that causes secondary myiases: laboratory studies

No-choice and binary-choice bioassays were used to test the effect of a range of plant-derived insecticides on the behaviour of larvae of the black blow fly Phormia regina (Meigen). Azadirachtin (100 and 10 ppm), pyrethrum extract (10 ppm) and the naphthoquinone BTG 505 (1000 ppm) acted as deterrents for P. regina larvae. The mortality of larvae was reduced in instances where they moved away from a treated diet. Larvae given a choice were heavier, when compared with larvae reared exclusively on diets containing either azadirachtin (100 or 10 ppm) or the naphthoquinones, BTG 504 (1000 ppm) or BTG 505 (1000 ppm). The deterrent effect of azadirachtin, pyrethrum and the naphthoquinone BTG 505 together with their larvicidal activity, could be utilized in prophylaxis against myiasis infections due to larvae of Phormia regina.