Temporary and Permanent Sterilization of House Flies with Chemosterilants12

Abstract

Fifteen compounds were tested for chemosterilant activity on house flies, Musca domestica L., by feeding the chemicals at levels up to 1% to recently emerged adult insects for 48 hours. At the levels fed, 9 compound had little or no effect on sterility, 2 compounds (0.10% methotrexate and 5-fluorodeoxyuridine) induced sterility with no oviposition, 3 compounds (0.01% methotrexate, 5-fluorouracil and 6-methyluracil) were only temporary sterilants, and 2 compounds (apholate and thiotepa) induced permanent sterility with oviposition. The significance of using this method of testing for chemosterilant activity, and the possible modes of action of these compounds are discussed.