Biocontrol Science and Technology (1996) 6, 3-9

Richard J. Milner and J.A. Staples (1996)
Biological control of termites: results and experiences within a CSIRO project in Australia
Biocontrol Science and Technology 6 (1), 3-9
Abstract: Classical biological control of termites is not possible. The most promising biological method is the inundative release of pathogenic microorganisms as 'biological insecticides'. Fungi are the most promising type of pathogen for development as biological insecticides. Studies in Australia have shown that certain isolates of the hyphomycete Metarhizium anisopliae can be applied to kill colonies of mound- and tree-nesting termites. Indirect treatment using feeding sites and baiting has not yet been successful in killing colonies: however, it may provide control for an extended time (over 1 year). The live conidia are repellent to termites, and this characteristic can be used for the barrier treatment of soil to protect seedling-stage susceptible crops, such as eucalypts, as well as for protection of wooden structures.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Database assignments for author(s): Richard J. Milner

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
biocontrol - natural enemies
Research topic(s) for beneficials or antagonists:
evaluation - screening - selection

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
Metarhizium anisopliae (entomopathogen)