Conference on International Agricultural Research for Development Pathogenicity of Entomopathogenic Fungi Metarhizium anisopliae Against Termites

Biological control with pathogenic fungi is a promising alternative to chemical control against the subterranean termite. Biological control with pathogenic fungi might provide longlasting insect control without damage to the environment or non-target organisms. M. anisopliae is one of several natural agents for controlling a broad range of insects by direct penetration of the host cuticle. Using this fungus as the microbial insecticide is usually a part of insect pest management. Sporulation characteristics and virulence M. anisopliae were examined in relation to laboratory transmission in subterranean termite. Two varieties of M. anisopliae were tested for their pathogenicity to worker of termites, Coptotermes sp. and Microcerotermes sp. Percent mortality of termites depend on concentration of conidia suspension, and varieties of M. anisopliae. Termites appearently died after two days postinoculation and after seven days the white mycelia developed, the green conidia had appeared around the cadavors. This study showed that both variety of M. ansopliae could cause mycoses to the termites. However, M. ansopliae var. anisopliae found more pathogenic virulence higher than M. anisopliae var. majus.