Response of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes grassei Clément (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to pH of substrate

Cárdenas, Ana Marı́a; Gallardo, Patricia; Carbonero-Pacheco, Juan; Trillo, M.

doi:10.1016/j.pedobi.2019.150608

Cited by 3 publications

(2 citation statements)

References 30 publications

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“…The following facts shed some light. (i) Some of the fungi described here have already been isolated from the gut of closely related species to R. grassei such as R. flavipes [ 58 ]; (ii) our observations from the dispersion assay conclude that termites acted by inducing the formation of vegetative and reproductive fungal structures on food substrates, which were subsequently eaten by R. grassei ; (iii) termite nests seem to be ideal places for fungal growth due to their pH [ 84 ] and nutritional conditions [ 85 ]; and (iv) it has been demonstrated that Reticulitermes species contribute significantly to the dispersion of fungi such as Beauveria bassiana [ 86 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…It seems that cellulolytic fungi have a symbiotic relationship with R. grassei since the termites make their dissemination to new habitats with optimal conditions easier, such as termite nests and the foraging zones. The habitats associated with the activity of the subterranean termites are characterized by high levels of humidity and moderate temperatures, with plenty of cellulose and slightly acid substrate availability [ 84 ]. These conditions are highly favourable for fungal growth and the reproduction of some species [ 91 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Diversity of Cellulolytic Microorganisms Associated with the Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes grassei

Carbonero-Pacheco

Aguilar

Raya

et al. 2023

JoF

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Reticulitermes grassei is a subterranean termite species that forages on woody structures of the Iberian Peninsula, and is often a building and crops pest. A total of 23 microorganisms associated with the activity of R. grassei were isolated from colonized ecosystems in southern Spain. They were morphologically and molecularly characterized, with fungi being the most prevalent ones. The fungi showed high values of optimum growth temperature, suggesting that they could be able to survive and develop in warm regions. Their cellulolytic activity was tested in carboxymethylcellulose (CMC) agar, concluding that all fungal isolates produce cellulases, and the enzymatic index (EI) was revealed in CMC agar with Gram’s iodine solution, with Penicillium citrinum showing the highest EI and Trichoderma longibrachiatum the highest mycelial growth rate on CMC. A preliminary microorganism dispersion assay was carried out with the termites, concluding that these insects may have a positive influence on fungal dispersion and the subsequent colonization of new substrates. Our study suggests that fungi associated with R. grassei may potentially be of interest in biotechnological fields such as biofuel production and the food industry.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Diversity of Cellulolytic Microorganisms Associated with the Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes grassei

Carbonero-Pacheco

Aguilar

Raya

et al. 2023

JoF

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Evaluation of ornamental/exotic plant extracts as natural preservative methodology against termites and fungi

Peña-Ortiz,

Serrano,

Carbonero-Pacheco

et al. 2024

Wood Sci Technol

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Assessment of weathering and subterranean termite resistance in three thermally modified wood species in Portugal

Godinho,

Lourenço,

Araújo

et al. 2024

Preprint

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The main objective of this study was to evaluate the mechanical properties of three thermal-modified wood species when exposed to weathering in urban and maritime/industrial environments and their durability against subterranean termites. The wood species studied were Maritime Pine, Ash, and Blackwood acacia. All wood samples were exposed to two different environments (urban and maritime/industrial) for 24 months. Then, its physical and mechanical properties were evaluated (modulus of elasticity (MOE), modulus of rupture (MOR), compression strength (CS), and modulus of compression (MOC)). Thermally modified woods revealed a lower density, which could explain the loss of MOE and MOR. In compression, no significant changes were verified. The weathered samples revealed changes in mechanical properties, mostly verified in MOE and MOR, where some decreases were reported in both locations. Tests were performed to evaluate biodegradation and the resistance of all wood samples to subterranean termites. The grade of attack (≈ 4) and termite survival rate were similar in all wood species (above 75% and lower than 80%), except for Modified Acacia (59%), which could indicate that thermal modification increased toxic substances. The cellulose degradation was reflected in FTIR-ATR and Py/GC-MS in natural and thermally modified woods. Py/GC-MS showed a decrease in levoglucosan, while lignin suffered some modifications with slight changes in monomeric composition reflected by the reduction of the S/G ratio. No changes were found between the two environments, and thermal modification did not give extra protection against termites and weathering.

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Response of the subterranean termite Reticulitermes grassei Clément (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) to pH of substrate

Cited by 3 publications

References 30 publications

Diversity of Cellulolytic Microorganisms Associated with the Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes grassei

Diversity of Cellulolytic Microorganisms Associated with the Subterranean Termite Reticulitermes grassei

Evaluation of ornamental/exotic plant extracts as natural preservative methodology against termites and fungi

Assessment of weathering and subterranean termite resistance in three thermally modified wood species in Portugal

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