Preliminary study on susceptibility of Microcerotermes losbanosensis Oshima to Heterorhabditis indica Poinar et al.

Issue Date

10-2016

Abstract

The use of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) for the control of soil and cryptic insect pests has been demonstrated in nematode species under the families Steinernematidae (Steinernema spp., Neosteinernema spp.) Heterorhabditidae (Heterorhabditis spp.) and Mermithidae. Microcerotermes losbanosensis Oshima is one of the most common species of termites that infest homes and wooden structures in both rural and urban environments. A bioassay exposed 20 workers and three soldiers of M. losbanosensis to approximately 675 infective juvenile (IJs) of Heterorhabditis indica Poinar et al. At 24 hours post infection (hpi), mortality ranging from 13.04% to 86.96% (mean = 47.83%) was observed. Meanwhile, 34.78% to 100% (mean = 84.54%) mortality was recorded after 48 hpi. At seven days post infection, 100% mortality was achieved. Results showed that M. losbanosensis was susceptible to H. indica. Further studies as reproduction of H. indica in termites, determination of the optimum amount of IJs in the inoculum, and behavioral responses (i.e., repellency) of termites to EPNs are needed to efficiently utilize this H. indica population as a biological control agent for the management of termites.

Source or Periodical Title

The Philippine Entomologist

ISSN

0048-3753

Volume

30

Issue

2

Page

185

Document Type

Article

Frequency

semi-annually

Language

English

En – AGROVOC descriptors

MICROCEROTERMES; HETERORHABDITIS; ISOPTERA; ENTOMOPHILIC NEMATODES; PEST INSECTS; PESTS OF PLANTS; BIOASSAYS; PEST CONTROL; BIOLOGICAL CONTROL AGENTS

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