The use of ageing techniques to evaluate the effects of aerial spraying against Glossina morsitans centralis Machado (Diptera: Glossinidae) in northern Botswana

Abstract

AbstractDuring a large-scale air-spray trial using endosulfan against Glossina morsitans centralis Machado in the Okavango Delta area of Botswana, a programme of ageing all flies caught on fly-rounds was undertaken. The aim was to evaluate closely the effect of repeated sprays on the population and especially to determine the origin of the small residual population that often remains after spraying. Ageing males by the wing-fray method indicated that none survived the spraying. Ageing females by ovarian dissection showed that (a) no breeding occurred between sprays, (b) one pupal period was just covered by four spray applications, (c) the residual population was composed of females that had survived the spraying and (d) all survivors had been pregnant at the time of treatment. Dissections also showed a very low rate of insemination between sprays, but the few females that survived spraying were all inseminated. Larval and pupal periods under natural conditions of fluctuating temperature are discussed together with methods of improving air spraying results by eliminating pregnant females.