The Efficacy of the Oleic Acid Isolated from Cerbera Manghas L. Seed Against a Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes Gestroi Wasmann and a Drywood Termite, Cryptotermes Cynocephalus Light

AbstractThe efforts in establishing sustainable pest management drive termite control not only focus on termite extermination, but also concern on human health and environmental protection. Bioactive compounds isolated from Bintaro (Cerbera manghas) have been reported to have biological activity against insect such as food deterrent, oviposition and growth inhibitor, and also contact poison. The study on efficacy of oleic acid isolated from C. manghas seed extract against subterranean termite Coptotermes gestroiand Drywood termite Cryptotermes cynocephalus has been thoroughly examined. The extraction and separation method yielded ten fractions, with fraction three (F3) as the highest yield. Chemical compound analysis of F3 by Gas Chromatography and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed oleic acid as chemical compound. The bioassay of oleic acid against C. gestroi and C. cynocephalus was evaluated by no-choice feeding test and Indonesia National Standard (SNI) 01-7207-2006 respectively. Oleic acid showed low termicidal activity as it delivered low mortality in both species, and generated lower protection against C. cynocephalus

X-ray tomographic analysis of the initial structure of the royal chamber and the nest-founding behavior of the drywood termite Incisitermes minor

The nesting biology of the drywood termite, Incisitermes minor, is poorly understood. To date, no published data are available regarding the in situ nest-gallery development of I. minor. Three naturally infested Sitka spruce (Picea sitchensis Bong. Carriere) timbers were analyzed by X-ray computer tomography to observe the structure of the first royal chamber and the termite’s nest-founding behavior. One timber was infested by a group of termites which emerged from their natal nest. The other two timbers were infested by dealate reproductives from the nuptial flight. The study revealed that the drywood termite engages in outside foraging activity and has great foraging flexibility. Computer tomographic images also revealed that I. minor reproductives showed anatomical selectivity in their nest-founding activity. The structure of the initial royal chambers varied to follow the anatomical texture of the timbers, which resembled either a European pear shape or a cashew nut shape

Nest-Gallery Development and Caste Composition of Isolated Foraging Groups of the Drywood Termite, Incisitermes minor (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

An X-ray computed-tomographic examination of nest-gallery development from timbers naturally infested by foraging groups of Incisitermes minor colonies was conducted. This study documents the colonization process of I. minor to new timbers and how the isolated groups maintain their nest-gallery system. The results suggested that development of a nest-gallery within a suitable wood item is not random, but shows selection for softer substrate and other adaptations to the different timber environments. Stigmergic coordinations were expressed in dynamic changes of the nest-gallery system; indicated by fortification behavior in sealing and re-opening a tunnel approaching the outer edge of the timber, and accumulating fecal pellets in particular chambers located beneath the timber surface. The study also examines the caste composition of isolated groups to discover how I. minor sustains colonies with and without primary reproductives