Evaluation of conventional odour attractants for Glossina brevipalpis and Glossina austeni (Diptera: Glossinidae) in South Africa

Abstract

The components of the synthetic ox-odour used in Zimbabwe against Glossina pallidipes and G. m. morsitans were evaluated for the attraction of G. brevipalpis and G. austeni in South Africa. The Zimbabwe mixture (Zim-mix), which consisted of acetone and a 1 :4:8 mixture of 3-n-propyl phenol , 4- methyl phenol and 1-octen-3-ol, increased the catches of G. brevipalpis by c. 2,1-4,4 times compared to when no odours were used. One of the odour components, namely 3-n-propyl phenol, did not significantly increase the size of the catches. Acetone was an essential component for G. brevipalpis, especially during the warm and wet season when it acted synergistically with high doses of 1-octen- 3-ol and 4-methyl phenol. The most attractive odour combination for G. brevipalpis was 1-octen-3-ol released at 2,3-9,1 mg/h with 4-methyl phenol at c. 15,5 mg/h and acetone at c. 350 mg/h. This combination increased the catches by another 2,3-2,8 times when compared to the Zim-mix and 10,1- 12,3 times compared to 'no odour'. None of the odour components was attractive for G. austeni. None of the components was repellent for either species.