Effect of trypanocidal drugs on some aspects of the reproductive biology of female Glossina palpalis palpalis (Diptera : Glossinidae)

Abstract

Effects of isometamidium chloride (Samorin) and diminazene aceturate (Berenil) on some aspects of the reproductive biology of female Glossina palpalis palpalis T(Gpp) were investigated. Samorin and Berenil were administered to the flies in vitro, through a silicone membrane at 0.14 mg/ml and 0.40 mg/ml blood respectively or in vivo on ears of rabbits treated at recommended prophylactic and therapeutic doses of 1 mg and 3,5 mg/kg body weight respectively. Flies were maintained at 24,5 ± 0,5°C, 80 ± 5% RH and 6 h photoperiod. Neither Berenil nor Samorin at the concentrations employed had any adverse effect on female survival rate, fecundity or mean puparial weights. Rather, females fed on Berenil at 0.40 mg/l blood through membrane had the best survival rate, fecundity and mean puparial weight amongst the groups, including control, also flies that emerged from pupae deposited by these flies were noted to be the most active (cage activities). The implication of these findings in relation to vector control is highlighted.