Lethal and Sublethal Effects of Cyromazine on the Biology of Musca domestica Based on the Age–Stage, Two-Sex Life Table Theory

Abstract

Cyromazine is a triazine insect growth regulator insecticide that is recommended for control of Musca domestica worldwide. Cyromazine is highly effective in causing mortality of M. domestica; however, some aspects of its lethal and sublethal effects on the biology of M. domestica are still unknown. The present study explored lethal and sublethal effects on several biological traits and population parameters of M. domestica. Concentration–response bioassays of cyromazine against third-instar larvae of M. domestica exhibited sublethal and lethal effects from concentrations of 0.03 (LC10), 0.06 (LC25), and 0.14 (LC50) μg/g of a larval medium. Exposure of M. domestica larvae to these concentrations resulted in reduced fecundity, survival, longevity and oviposition period, and delayed development of immature stages (i.e., egg hatch time and larval and pupal durations) in the upcoming generation of M. domestica. The values of population parameters such as intrinsic rate of increase, finite rate of increase, net reproductive rate, age-specific survival rate and fecundity, and age–stage life expectancy and reproductive value, analyzed using the age–stage and two-sex life table theory, were significantly reduced in a concentration-dependent manner in comparison with the control group. In conclusion, the study highlights the significant effects of cyromazine on the biology of M. domestica that could help suppress its population in cases of severe infestations.