Preliminary evaluation of 1,1-Bis (4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-nitropropane as an oviposition deterrent for the Australian sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina, and development of methods for evaluating oviposition deterrents against sheep blowfly.

1,1-Bis(4-ethoxyphenyl)-2-nitropropane (GH74) was evaluated as an oviposition deterrent for the sheep blowfly Lucilia cuprina. In several test situations, flies laid only very few egg masses on fleece to which 0.5% GH74 had been applied, and which had been exposed in the field for up to 6 months. However, a significant number of egg masses were laid on the breech of severely scouring sheep when tested several weeks after application of GH74 at the same concentration. Procedures for evaluating oviposition deterrents against sheep blowfly are discussed.