Substrates across horticultural and livestock industries that support the development of stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae)

Abstract

AbstractThis study examined a multitude of potential substrates across horticultural and livestock industries that supported the development of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans (Linneaus) (1081 samples from over 100 properties (2010–2016)). Stable fly developed in high numbers from vegetable crop residues left after harvest, notably celery and leeks as well as several brassica crops, lettuce and silverbeet. Unmarketable vegetables (reject produce) and processing waste provided another source of stable fly development, in particular from carrot production (green tops and processing washings) as well as beetroot and daikon leaves, reject zucchinis, rockmelons, eggplants, turnips and squashes. Reject produce from mostly solanaceous plants either did not support any or rarely supported the development of adult stable fly. Reject vegetable produce fed to livestock presented a source for stable fly to develop in the vegetable/manure mix, especially from carrots and corn cobs. Large accumulations of cattle dung in feedlot situations, hay feeding out sites, wet grain feed and exposed silage produced the highest numbers of stable fly from livestock industries. Cattle dung from rangeland pastures, pig manure and horse manure rarely if ever supported the development of stable fly. Only cattle dung that had aged or pig manure that had been mixed with straw and left to age allowed for any stable fly development. Miscellaneous sources of stable fly development include rotting lawn clippings, rotting weeds, ageing olive pressing residue, and to a lesser extent, rotting wild melons and seaweed.