Environmental Entomology (2010) 39, 98-104

J.L. Lewis and B.T. Forschler (2010)
Impact of five commercial baits containing chitin synthesis inhibitors on the protist community in Reticulitermes flavipes (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)
Environmental Entomology 39 (1), 98-104
Abstract: Eastern subterranean termite, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar), workers were continuously exposed to one of five chitin synthesis inhibiting (CSI) active ingredients and the protist community from the hindgut quantified biweekly for 21 d. The CSIs tested included commercially available formulations of diflubenzuron, hexaflumuron, lufenuron, noviflumuron, and novaluron. Results showed termites exposed to CSIs had a significant decrease (>30%) in the estimated total protist population after 3 d, regardless of treatment. Protist species impacted were Dinenympha fimbriata, D. gracilis, Microjoenia fallax, Pyrsonympha vertens, and Trichonympha agilis and could be indicative of weakened digestive homeostasis, but further studies are needed. We also provide evidence that lufenuron is highly toxic and discuss some of the implications this might have on termite management practices.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Brian T. Forschler

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
pheromones/attractants/traps
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Reticulitermes flavipes