Field Evaluation of Insecticides for Timber Protection against Subterranean Termites in India

摘要

@@Introduction Termites are the major wood biodeteriorating agents in the tropical and sub-tropical regions. The estimated losses caused by them range between 10 to 50%. There are 2000 species of termites in the world, of which 200 species are known to occur in India alone. The severity of subterranean termite attack could account for at least 80% and drywood termites could account for more than 20% (Su and Scheffrrann, 1990). Soil insecticides are the most important barrier and tool for timber protection from subterranean termites. Chlorinated hydrocarbons, organophosphates and pyrethroid termiticides have been known to provide 10 to 20 or more years of successful protection. The organochlorine termiticides are totally banned in many countries including India. Organophoshorus and pyrethroid insecticides are becoming more popular as wood protectants (Satish Kumar, 1995).Herbal products like cashew nut shell liquid have been found effective against termite for shorter durations (Remadevi et. al. 2002).