Potential of Entomopathogenic Fungi as Biological Control Agents against the Formosan Subterranean Termite

摘要

Tolerance, pathogenicity and transmission studies of the fungiMetarhizium and Beauveria, show that biological control agentscan enhance termite treatment flexibility. Subterranean termitescause significant damage to wood structures and trees,especially along the Gulf of Mexico coastal region of the UnitedStates. A predominant pest species is the Formosansubterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus (Shiraki), whichdiffers from native termite species in increased colony densityand a propensity to destroy living wood. However, in order fortermite control approaches to work they must be non-repellant,transferrable, and have delayed toxicity to allow transfer fromforaging workers to their nestmates. An Integrated PestManagement (IPM) approach will be necessary to reduce theimpact of these pests. One component of IPM, and the focus ofthis work, is the development of biological control agents.Environmental conditions in FST nests and sites of infestation,such as living trees, can vary greatly. Some treatment sitesrequire novel treatment methods which fungi may be uniquelysuited to provide.