%0 Journal Article
%T Application of Bait Treated with the Entomopathogenic Fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin for the Control of Microcerotermes diversus Silv.
%A Amir Cheraghi
%A Behzad Habibpour
%A Mohammad Saied Mossadegh
%J Psyche
%D 2013
%I Hindawi Publishing Corporation
%R 10.1155/2013/865102
%X Microcerotermes diversus Silvestri (Isoptera, Termitidae) is considered to be the most destructive termite in Khuzestan province (Iran), and its control by conventional methods is often difficult. Biological control using entomopathogenic fungi could be an alternative management strategy. Performance of a bait matrix treated with the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin, Strain Saravan (DEMI 001), against M. diversus was evaluated in this paper. The highest rate of mortality occurred at concentrations of 3.7 ¡Á 107 and 3.5 ¡Á 108 (conidia per mL). There was no significant difference between treatments, in the rate of feeding on the bait. The fungal pathogen was not repellent to the target termite over the conidial concentrations used. The current results suggest potential of such bait system in controlling termite. However the effectiveness of M. anisopliae as a component of integrated pest management for M. diversus still needs to be proven under field conditions. 1. Introduction Currently, species in the genera, Amitermes and Microcerotermes (Termitidae), Anacanthotermes (Hodotermitidae), and Psammotermes (Rhinotermitidae), are the most important termites in Iran [1]. Majority of termites in the Khuzestan province belong to the subterranean termite group [2]. Studies show Microcerotermes diversus is the most destructive termite in Khuzestan province. It has a wide foraging area and is able to form secondary colonies in walls, ceilings of buildings, and in trees. This termite is also prevalent in other parts of Iran and in Iraq, Kuwait, Oman, United Arab Emirates (UAE), and Saudi Arabia and is one of the most important pests of date palms (Phoenix dactylifera L.) in Iran, Iraq, and Saudi Arabia [3]. Current management of subterranean termites in Iran involves the application of soil insecticides [1]. However, continuous use of chemical pesticides in the environment is a concern [4¨C6], especially in areas with a high groundwater table, as in the city of Ahvaz [7]. Biological control has been suggested as an alternative strategy to the widespread application of chemical pesticides. Following this interest in the use of entomopathogenic fungi to combat insect pests has increased. Application of entomopathogenic fungi against termites has the minimum negative impact on the environment [8]. There have been a number of studies evaluating the efficacy of the hypocrealean Hyphomycete, Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuillemin, against subterranean termites [9]. Similarly Ascomycete, Metarhizium anisopliae (Metsch.) Sorokin, present in the
%U http://www.hindawi.com/journals/psyche/2013/865102/