Laboratory Evaluation of Flurox, a Chitin Synthesis Inhibitor, on the Termite, Microcerotermes diversus

Microcerotermes diversus (Silvestri) (Isoptera: Termitidae) is the most economically destructive termite in structures in southwest Iran. One sustainable control strategy that usually helps to reduce subterranean termite damage in buildings, is the use of insect growth regualtors in a suitable bait matrix that are safe to the user and the environment. In the laboratory assays described here, the delayed toxicity of Flurox, a chitin synthesis inhibitor, to M. diversus was evaluated under force-feeding and choice trials. Flurox induced worker and nymph mortality and incomplete ecdysis in nymphs of M. diversus under no-choice and two-choice feeding tests. These adverse effects may cause disruption of the caste balance in M. diversus, leading to the collapse of the colony. These assays determined concentrations of Flurox that can be used in bait formulations

Studies on Damage of Constructions Caused by Subterranean Termites and Its Control in Thailand

この論文は国立情報学研究所の学術雑誌公開支援事業により電子化されました

<Original>Wood Consumption and Survival of the Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann using the Japanese Standardized Testing Method and the Modified Wood Block Test in Bottle

この論文は国立情報学研究所の学術雑誌公開支援事業により電子化されました。Wood consumption and survival rate of the subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann, which is the most economically destructive species in Thailand, were determined in laboratory according to the standardized testing method of the Japan Wood Preserving Association (JWPA) and the modified wood block test in bottle (MWBT). Wood blocks of Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc., measuring 10mm (T)×10mm (R)×20mm (L), were used as specimens to compare the feeding activity with that of C. formosanus, which was the most destructive species in Japan. At all group sizes (number of workers) tested, wood consumption per individual and survival rate in MWBT were greater than those in JWPA-test. At the smallest group size (150 workers), mean wood consumption per individual was counted 0.63 mg in MWBT, but it was only 0.24 mg in JWPA-test. Although it increased in JWPA-test at larger group size, it did not reach the equal level of MWBT even at the largest group size tested (400 workers). Data analysis revealed that size did not cause any significant effect on survival rate in both test methods. Taking account of the susceptibility to desiccation, MWBT, using glass bottle with moistened sand matrix, was considered suitable to C. gestroi for laboratory forced-feeding test. As for the group size, 250-300 workers in a bottle was recommended in the situation of limited supply of this species