Area-population control of fungus-growing termite, Odontotermes formosanus, using hexaflumuron durable baits
Journal
Pest Management Science
Journal Volume
78
Journal Issue
1
Pages
104-115
Date Issued
2022
Author(s)
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Fungus-growing termites (Termitidae: Macrotermitinae) are common forest and agriculture pests. To evaluate the efficacy of termite baiting in suppressing field population of fungus-growing termites, a durable termite bait with hexaflumuron was evenly installed in a one-hectare forest area dominated by a fungus-growing termite, Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki). Monthly monitoring of termite foraging activity on baits and wood stakes was conducted for 4 years to quantify efficacy of baits. To examine whether the hexaflumuron led to colony death, pesticides in fungus gardens of active and deceased nests were quantified using a LC-QTOF/MS. RESULTS: After baiting, 50% and 90% of baits were fed upon 10 and 24 months, respectively. After 2 years of baiting, the monthly number of wood stakes occupied by termites was reduced from 34.7 ± 1.8 to 17.6 ± 2.5 (?49.1%), and the number of wood stakes consumed was reduced from 17.7 ± 0.8 to 13.3 ± 1.2 (?25.7%). Hexaflumuron was detected in deceased colonies, including five of six fungus gardens and the fungal tissue of Xyleria grown on fungus gardens, with a concentration of 0.31–20.11 mg kg?1 dry weight. CONCLUSION: This study demonstrated that durable hexaflumuron baits consumed by fungus-growing termites were further incorporated into fungus gardens, resulted in colony elimination and negative area-population effects, supporting that durable hexaflumuron baits are effective in suppressing field populations of fungus-growing termites. ? 2021 Society of Chemical Industry. ? 2021 Society of Chemical Industry.
Subjects
area-wide termite baiting
fungus-growing termite
Hexaflumuron
integrated pest management (IPM)
noviflumuron
bait
biomonitoring
colony
fungus
pest control
termite
wood
Isoptera
Macrotermitinae
Odontotermes formosanus
Termitidae
benzamide derivative
carbanilamide derivative
hexafluoron
animal
population dynamics
Animals
Benzamides
Fungi
Phenylurea Compounds
Population Control
Type
journal article