Adulticidal Activity of Melaleuca alternifolia (Myrtales: Myrtaceae) Essential Oil With High 1,8-Cineole Content Against Stable Flies (Diptera: Muscidae).

The research article investigates the insecticidal properties of tea tree oil on stable flies, insect pests that decrease animal productivity and spread diseases. It was found that tea tree oil, particularly with high amount of 1,8-cineole, is effective in eliminating these flies through fumigation and surface application methods.

Objective of the Research

• The main aim of this study was to evaluate the insecticidal activity of tea tree essential oil, Melaleuca alternifolia, specifically with high 1,8-cineole content, against adult stable flies, Stomoxys calcitrans. These flies feed on the blood of livestock and horses and can result in productivity losses and disease spread.

Methods Used in Research

• The researchers used two methods, namely, surface application and exposure to oil-impregnated paper, to determine the insecticidal activity of M. alternifolia essential oil.
• The surface application method involves direct application of the essential oil onto the bodies of the flies.
• The fumigant action of the essential oil was tested by exposing the flies to paper impregnated with the oil.

Research Results

• The study revealed that treatments at concentrations of 25 and 50 μg/cm² showed considerable fumigant activity. In the first 15 minutes of exposure, the mortality rates of the flies were high and equivalent to the positive control.
• When applied superficially, the only effective concentration demonstrating adulticidal action was at 5% (weight/volume).
• The lethal concentration (LC50 and LC80) was also calculated for both the application methods. For the impregnated paper method, the LC50 was 1.06 ± 0.02 and LC80 was 1.47 ± 0.17. In the case of the surface application method, these values were 3.82 ± 0.65 and 5.53 ± 0.74 respectively.

Conclusion of the Research

• The study concluded that tea tree oil with high 1,8-cineole content provides an effective method to control S. calcitrans populations, presenting it as a potential adulticidal agent against these harmful flies. This is significant as these flies can directly impact livestock productivity and health.