Laboratory Evaluation of Hexaflumuron Baits Against Subterranean Termite Captotermes curvignathus Holmgen (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract

A laboratory study was conducted to evaluate the effects of termite baits containing a chitin synthesis inhibitors, hexaflumuron 0,5%, to morphology of subterranean termites Coptotemes cuwignathus Holmgren. C. curvignathus was the most economically destructive species in Indonesia. The termites were bioassay in terrnitarium which measured 30 x 15 x 10 cm.. Each termitarium consisted of 1000 gram of damp soil, 100 gram debris of pine wood, 350 ml aqudest and 2000 termites (90% worker, 10% soIdier). A bait tube was served to C. cuwignathus colony according to self recruitment and non-self recruitment procedures respectively. Time exposured of baits were two, four and six weeks respectively. Molting inhibition caused by hexaflumuron was determined. The morphology of integument termites was also determined by Scanning Electron Micrographs (SEM). The molting inhibition symptoms on the termite cuticle was observed after 15 - 17 days baiting periods. It is concluded that hexaflumuron could be used as a bait toxicant to eliminate the Coptotemzes cuwignathus colony within a six-week baiting periods in laboratory.