Sugarcane stems as larval habitat for the stable fly (Stomoxys calcitrans) in sugarcane plantations

Abstract

Pesq. Vet. Bras. 33(6) Outbreaks of stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, cause losses for livestock producers located near sugarcane mills in Brazil, especially in southern Mato Grosso do Sul. The sugarcane mills are often pointed by local farmers as the primary source of these outbreaks; some mills also joined the farmers in combating the flies. Brazilian beef cattle production has great economic importance in similar level to bio-fuel production as ethanol. In this context, the wide-ranging knowledge on the biology and ecology of the stable fly, including larval habitats and their reproduction sites is extremely important for further development of control programs. This paper aims to report the occurrence and development of S. calcitrans larvae inside sugarcane stems in three municipalities of Mato Grosso do Sul. The sugarcane stems give protection against bad weather conditions and insecticide application. In this way, for sustainable sugarcane growth specific research concerning this situation should be conducted.

Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae) outbreaks: current situation and future outlook with emphasis on Brazil

“…Initial studies were limited to recording and describing the basic characteristics of sudden stable fly outbreaks occurring in the country, seeking to compile baseline information to allow for a better understanding of the situation and its geographic occurrence, and proposing some practical measures to mitigate the problem (KOLLER et al, 2009;BARROS et al, 2010;BITTENCOURT, 2012;KASSAB et al, 2012;CANÇADO et al, 2013b). More recently, some field studies have provided additional information, contributing to a more in-depth understanding of the epidemiology of the stable fly, mainly at sugarcane mills, and the dynamics of outbreaks (CORRÊA et al, 2013;CANÇADO et al, 2013a).…”

“…Given the responsibility of the sugarcane and livestock production systems in the epidemiology of S. calcitrans outbreaks (KOLLER et al, 2009;BARROS et al, 2010;CANÇADO et al, 2013a), it is essential that the two sectors participate jointly in the search for a solution to the problem. Also needed is the formulation and execution of public policies that provide tools for the proper implementation of management actions.…”

“…Other substrates S. calcitrans uses for its development include seaweed and waste horticultural products (KING & LENERT, 1936;SIMMONS, 1944;HERRERO et al, 1989). Sugarcane and alcohol production wastes, particularly sugarcane filter cake and mulch mixed with vinasse (a byproduct of the distillation of sugarcane fermented broth), are also suitable for the development of the stable fly (GILLES et al, 2008;BITTENCOURT, 2012;CANÇADO et al, 2013a).…”

“…Outbreaks have generally been concentrated in the Mid-west and Southeast regions of the country, mainly in the states of Mato Grosso, Mato Grosso do Sul, Minas Gerais and São Paulo (ODA & ARANTES, 2010;KASSAB et al, 2012;CANÇADO et al, 2013a). In addition, stable fly outbreaks have also been associated with the use of organic fertilizers such as poultry litter in some municipalities of São Paulo (BURALLI & GUIMARÃES, 1985;BURALLI et al, 1987), and coffee husks in the north of the state of Espírito Santo (OFICINA DE NOTÍCIAS, 2014).…”

Identification of stable fly attractant compounds in vinasse, a byproduct of sugarcane–ethanol distillation

“…The natural habitat of stable flies is in close proximity to livestock and decaying organic matter; however, in recent years there have been outbreaks associated with different types of agricultural crop (Solorzano et al, 2015). In Brazil, sugarcane has come to represent one of the crops in which stable fly outbreaks most commonly occur (Cancado et al, 2013). The expansion of the sugarcane industry and the resulting change in land use from pasture for cattle production to sugarcane plantation, as well as the associated increase in sugar and alcohol production, are believed to be among the primary causes of these outbreaks (Barros et al, 2010;Oda & Arantes, 2010).…”