Evaluation of differential antitermitic activities of Lantana camara oven-dried tissues against Reticulitermes virginicus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract

Chemical‐treated soil or physical barriers have been the most commonly used approach for termite management. We hypothesized that a barrier of soil incorporated with oven‐dried Lantana camara L. tissues could prevent termite infestation. We first examined the antitermitic effects of the dried tissues from two cultivars (‘Mozelle’ and ‘New Gold’) on the subterranean termite, Reticulitermes virginicus (Banks) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Results show that all of the tissues of Mozelle had greater antitermic activity than corresponding tissues of New Gold, and leaves had greater termiticidal effects than flowers and stems. When termites were exposed to the test materials in a no‐choice bioassay, the 24‐day test resulted in a significant reduction of survival (52.5%–88.6%), running speed (18.2%–37.3%), live weight (21.8%–53.5%) and body water content (33.2%–56.2%) compared to the control. The consumption of leaves and flowers was exiguous. When used as 25% tissue mulch‐barrier, the oven‐dried lantana tissues decreased termite tunneling and wood consumption and increased termite mortality. The decreased survival, vigor, and low consumption indicate a toxic and anti‐feeding property of the materials tested. The results therefore support our hypothesis that the dried lantana tissues possess antitermitic activities.

Repellent, Antifeedant, and Toxic Activities of <I>Lantana camara</I> Leaf Extract Against <I>Reticulitermes flavipes</I> (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

“…Species-speciÞc sensitivity toward insecticides and repellency has been frequently reported (Smythe andCarter 1970, Heupel 2002). Ding and Hu (2010) and Yuan and Hu (2011) reported repellent activity of L. camara leaves (fresh or dry). Leaves incorporated into soil acted as an anti-termite barrier and effectively reduced tunneling activity of Rhinotermitidae termites.…”

“…Although the extracts of its aerial parts have been reported to have insecticidal properties against various insect pests (AbdelÐHady et al 2005, Innocent et al 2008, there is little scientiÞc investigation of the effects against termite (Verma and Verma 2006). Recently, two studies documented that the leaves of two L. camara cultivars, ÔMozelleÕ and ÔNew Gold,Õ fresh or dry, acted as an anti-termite barrier when incorporated into soil and effectively reduced termites (Rhinotermitidae) foraging activity (Ding andHu 2010, Yuan andHu 2011). We are interested in whether the leaf extract has termiticidal activities if used on termite food source and tunnel substance.…”

Toxic effects of three selected Malaysian timbers plant extracts against subterranean termites

“…The results of termite mortality could be the reaction of termites to the toxic, anti-feeding and / or repellent effects (Yuan and Hu 2011). In all cases, higher termite mortality exists when exposed to un-extracted samples compared to extracted indicates the function of heartwood extractives as a natural wood preservative against termites (Syofuna et al 2012, Tascioglu et al 2012, Kirker et al 2013.…”

Clay preference and particle transport behavior of Formosan subterranean termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae): A laboratory study

“…These termites were then placed in a 55 °C oven dryer for 20 h, and dry weight was measured. The water content of termites was calculated using the formula as described in Yuan and Hu (). The survivorship, soldier proportion, live and dry weight, water content, and length of tunnel were compared among the 4 treatments by ANOVA followed by Tukey's HSD for means comparison (SAS).…”