Everything About Wood: TERMITES: CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL FOR INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE SPECIES

Goals / Objectives
Discover new chemistries as toxicants against termites including natural products and compounds inferred from natural products. Identify, characterize, and isolate chemicals that affect termite behavior. Apply these findings to the development of integrated pest management. Develop practical tools for detection of termites in infested structures and trees. Develop and improve biological control agents and formulations for development of environmentally friendly termite control products.

Project Methods
The Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes (C.) formosanus Shiraki, is native to Asia, but it was introduced into the southern United States where it has become a devastating pest and in some states has been described as the most costly insect pest. The total annual economic loss due to all species of subterranean termites in the United States has been estimated to cost as much as $11 billion/yr including preventive and remedial treatments and damage repair costs. Costs associated with the FST are estimated at $1-2 billion per year. In addition to structural infestations, C. formosanus infestations of living trees are common, causing unquantifiable aesthetic damage and serving as untreated refugia and a source for further structural attack. Only few synthetic chemicals are currently available for control of the FST and new environmentally safer control strategies are required. We plan to discover new chemical compounds through isolation from natural products that may be used themselves directly as termiticides or form the basis for new classes of synthetic or semi-synthetic control chemicals. Chemical modifications of active natural products to improve their activity or stability will be made. Another approach will be to discover new potential biological control agents that could form the basis for long term, sustainable control agents. We plan to improve existing biological control strains through improved formulation and dispersal for more effective, environmentally-safe termite control strategies. Alternatively, combinations of biological control agents will be sought that provide more effective biological control of termites. Further we are seeking chemicals from fungi or other natural sources that could be used to effectively direct termites into monitoring/baiting stations to improve their effectiveness by shortening the time for their discovery by termites or increasing the amount of toxic bait material consumed. Chemicals discovered in the laboratory that direct termite foraging will be tested in the field for improved bait station discovery. We will also develop new and improved electronic detection devices that may be used to discover hidden termite colonies at an early stage so that control measures may be implemented before substantial structural damage is caused.

Progress 10/23/09 to 01/12/12

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416): Discover new chemistries as toxicants against termites including natural products and compounds inferred from natural products. Identify, characterize, and isolate chemicals that affect termite behavior. Apply these findings to the development of integrated pest management. Develop practical tools for detection of termites in infested structures and trees. Develop and improve biological control agents and formulations for development of environmentally friendly termite control products. Approach (from AD-416): The Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes (C.) formosanus Shiraki, is native to Asia, but it was introduced into the southern United States where it has become a devastating pest and in some states has been described as the most costly insect pest. The total annual economic loss due to all species of subterranean termites in the United States has been estimated to cost as much as $11 billion/yr including preventive and remedial treatments and damage repair costs. Costs associated with the FST are estimated at $1-2 billion per year. In addition to structural infestations, C. formosanus infestations of living trees are common, causing unquantifiable aesthetic damage and serving as untreated refugia and a source for further structural attack. Only few synthetic chemicals are currently available for control of the FST and new environmentally safer control strategies are required. We plan to discover new chemical compounds through isolation from natural products that may be used themselves directly as termiticides or form the basis for new classes of synthetic or semi-synthetic control chemicals. Chemical modifications of active natural products to improve their activity or stability will be made. Another approach will be to discover new potential biological control agents that could form the basis for long term, sustainable control agents. We plan to improve existing biological control strains through improved formulation and dispersal for more effective, environmentally-safe termite control strategies. Alternatively, combinations of biological control agents will be sought that provide more effective biological control of termites. Further we are seeking chemicals from fungi or other natural sources that could be used to effectively direct termites into monitoring/baiting stations to improve their effectiveness by shortening the time for their discovery by termites or increasing the amount of toxic bait material consumed. Chemicals discovered in the laboratory that direct termite foraging will be tested in the field for improved bait station discovery. We will also develop new and improved electronic detection devices that may be used to discover hidden termite colonies at an early stage so that control measures may be implemented before substantial structural damage is caused. The research associated with this project was discontinued since the project and its funding were terminated in FY 12. Previous research efforts on this project focused on elucidation of the biology and behavior of the Formosan subterranean termite (FST). A chemical attractant to termites was being purified for identification that was targeted for improving baiting systems. Two entirely new classes of natural product chemicals from bacteria were identified to be toxic to termites at low concentrations. Chemical modifications of several plant derived natural products were being tested to improve their toxicity to termites. Ultimately, the research was aimed at developing chemical products toxic to termites at low concentrations but with low mammalian toxicity and increased environmental longevity. ARS scientists extracted known termite pathogens and microbes to discover metabolites that are stable and may be useful as termiticides. ARS scientists improved formulations and enzyme additions to a biological control fungus for FST because of an increased mortality of the termite caused by the fungus. Inclusion of these amendments to biological control formulations may increase control of termite colonies. Combinations of microbial agents show synergistic effects on termite mortality. Specifically, sawdust was fermented with various fungal species for differing time periods. Termites were more attracted to sawdust degraded by white rot than brown rot degraded or un-degraded sawdust. Experiments have been initiated to determine the effects of these materials in the field and to isolate compounds responsible for the attractiveness. A simple electronic detection system for detection of termites in a structure was developed and patent protection was being sought. Accomplishments 01 Effect of cell-free extracts of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on Coptoterm formosanus (FST). Developed a method to stably isolated active compound from Bt capable of causing mortality of FST after bacterial cells and spores are removed. Demonstrated that the compounds remain stable for several weeks when chilled. Currently isolating individual compounds to identify the active ingredient(s). 02 Visualization of termite cross-sections for determination of mode of fungal infection. ARS scientists developed a method to fix termites in solid medium and create crosssections visible using light microscopy for the determination for fungal infection. 03 Evaluated chromene analogs to determine mode of action. ARS scientists evaluated the chromene analogs that have shown toxicities on termite homogenate for Acetylcholinesterase (AChE) inhibitory activity in order determine the mode of action. These analogs did not have any significant AChE thus demonstrating a different mode of action. 04 Isolation and identification of two natural products toxic to termites a the synthesis of methyl ether analogs of chromenes. ARS scientists isolated and identified two natural products that are toxic to termites and also synthesized methyl ether analogs of chromenes. 05 Effect of Beauveria pseudobassiana and cuticle degrading enzymes on mortality of Coptotermes formosanus. Data indicates that the proteinase and chitinase enzymes degraded the Formosan Subterranean termite (FST) cuticle allowing increased fungal infection of the insect. The lipase enzymes tested did not enhance the effectiveness of the fungal pathogen. 06 Development of electronic detection system. A simple electronic detecti system for detection of termites in a structure has been developed and patent protection was being sought. 07 Combinations of microbial agents show synergistic effects on termite mortality. Specifically, sawdust was fermented with various fungal species for differing time periods. Termites were more attracted to sawdust degraded by white rot than brown rot degraded or un-degraded sawdust. ARS scientists have initiated experiments to determine the effects of these materials in the field and to isolate compounds responsible for the attractiveness.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Tarver, M.R., Florane, C.B., Zhang, D., Grimm, C.C., Lax, A.R. 2012. Methoprene and temperature effects on caste differentiation and protein composition in the formosan termite, Coptotermes formosanus. Insect Science. 12:18.
Cornelius, M.L., Osbrink, W.L. 2011. Influence of dry soil on the ability of Formosan Subterranean Termites, Coptotermes formosanus, to locate food sources. Journal of Insect Science. 11(162):1536-2442.
Cornelius, M.L. 2012. Individual behavior of workers of the Formosan subterranean termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) on consecutive days of tunnel construction. Insects. 3(2):367-377.
Tarver, M.R., Mattison, C.P., Florane, C.B., Hinchliffe, D.J., Zhang, D., Lax, A.R. 2012. Screening of multiple potential control genes for use in caste and body region comparisons using RT-qPCR in Coptotermes formosanus. Sociobiology. 59(1):81-96.
Nakano, H., Cantrell, C.L., Mamonov, L.K., Osbrink, W.L., Ross, S. 2011. Echinopsacetylenes A and B, new thiophenes from Echinops transiliensis. Organic Letters. 13(23):6228-6231.

Progress 10/01/10 to 09/30/11

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Discover new chemistries as toxicants against termites including natural products and compounds inferred from natural products. Identify, characterize, and isolate chemicals that affect termite behavior. Apply these findings to the development of integrated pest management. Develop practical tools for detection of termites in infested structures and trees. Develop and improve biological control agents and formulations for development of environmentally friendly termite control products. Approach (from AD-416) The Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes (C.) formosanus Shiraki, is native to Asia, but it was introduced into the southern United States where it has become a devastating pest and in some states has been described as the most costly insect pest. The total annual economic loss due to all species of subterranean termites in the United States has been estimated to cost as much as $11 billion/yr including preventive and remedial treatments and damage repair costs. Costs associated with the FST are estimated at $1-2 billion per year. In addition to structural infestations, C. formosanus infestations of living trees are common, causing unquantifiable aesthetic damage and serving as untreated refugia and a source for further structural attack. Only few synthetic chemicals are currently available for control of the FST and new environmentally safer control strategies are required. We plan to discover new chemical compounds through isolation from natural products that may be used themselves directly as termiticides or form the basis for new classes of synthetic or semi-synthetic control chemicals. Chemical modifications of active natural products to improve their activity or stability will be made. Another approach will be to discover new potential biological control agents that could form the basis for long term, sustainable control agents. We plan to improve existing biological control strains through improved formulation and dispersal for more effective, environmentally-safe termite control strategies. Alternatively, combinations of biological control agents will be sought that provide more effective biological control of termites. Further we are seeking chemicals from fungi or other natural sources that could be used to effectively direct termites into monitoring/baiting stations to improve their effectiveness by shortening the time for their discovery by termites or increasing the amount of toxic bait material consumed. Chemicals discovered in the laboratory that direct termite foraging will be tested in the field for improved bait station discovery. We will also develop new and improved electronic detection devices that may be used to discover hidden termite colonies at an early stage so that control measures may be implemented before substantial structural damage is caused. Research on this project continues to elucidate the biology and behavior of the Formosan subterranean termite (FST). A component from an extract that is attractive to termites is being purified for identification that could improve baiting systems. In cooperative research, two entirely new natural product chemicals were identified to be toxic to termites at low concentrations. Chemical modifications of several plant derived natural products are being tested to improve toxicity to termites and other insects and are being evaluated to decrease possible mammalian toxicity and increase environmental longevity. We continue to extract known termite pathogens and associated microbes and have discovered metabolites that are stable and may be useful as termiticides. Improved formulations and enzyme additions to a biological control fungus for FST cause increased mortality of the termite caused by the fungus. Inclusion of these amendments to biological control formulations may increase control of termite colonies. Combinations of microbial agents show synergistic effects on termite mortality. Specifically, sawdust was fermented with various fungal species for differing time periods. Termites were more attracted to sawdust degraded by white rot than brown rot degraded or un-degraded sawdust. Experiments have been initiated to determine the effects of these materials in the field and to isolate compounds responsible for the attractiveness. A simple electronic detection system for detection of termites in a structure has been developed and patent protection is being sought. Accomplishments 01 Visualization of termite cross-sections. This process will help determination of mode of fungal infection. This novel method was developed to fix termites in a solid medium and create cross-sections visible using light microscopy for the determination for fungal infectio 02 Effect of cell-free extracts of bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on coptoterm formosanus (FST). Developed a method to stably isolated active compound from Bt capable of causing mortality of FST after bacterial cells and spores are removed. Demonstrated that the compounds remain stable for several weeks when chilled and isolated individual compounds to identify the active ingredient(s). 03 Identified and isolated plant constituents. Plant extracts have shown 100% mortality to termites at 2% and 1% wt/wt when tested on filter pape bioassay. The activities were dose dependant and were insignificant whe tested below 0.5% wt/wt. Compounds and activities can be modified to obtain longer duration of action. 04 Evaluation of chromene analogs. Evaluations have shown toxicities on termite homogenate for AChE inhibitory activity in order to determine th mode of action. These analogs did not have any significant AChE thus demonstrating a different mode of action. 05 Isolate and identify two natural products. Isolation and identification of two natural products that are toxic to termites and synthesis of meth ether analogs of chromenes. 06 Effect of Beauveria pseudobassiana and cuticle degrading enzymes on mortality of Coptotermes formosanus. Data indicates that the proteinase and chitinase enzymes degraded the FST cuticle allowing increased fungal infection of the insect. The lipase enzymes tested did not enhance the effectiveness of the fungal pathogen. Presented at American Society for Microbiology General Meeting held in New Orleans, LA, May 21-24, 2011. 07 Electronic detection system. A simple electronic detection system for detection of termites in structures has been developed and a patent protection is being sought. 08 Combinations of microbial agents show synergistic effects on termite mortality. Specifically, sawdust was fermented with various fungal species for differing time periods. Termites were more attracted to sawdust degraded by white rot than brown rot degraded or un-degraded sawdust. Experiments have been initiated to determine the effects of the materials in the field and to isolate compounds responsible for the attractiveness.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Cornelius, M.L., Osbrink, W.L. 2010. Effect of flooding on the survival of Formosan Subterranean Termites (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in laboratory tests. Sociobiology. 56:669-711.
Carta, L.K., Handoo, Z.A., Lebedeva, N.I., Raina, A.K., Zhuginisov, T.I., Khamraev, A.S. 2010. Pelodera termitis sp. n. and two other rhabditid nematode species associated with the Turkestan termite Anacanthotermes turkestanicus from Uzbekistan. International Journal of Nematology. 20:(2) 125-134.
Schrader, K., Andolfi, A., Cantrell, C.L., Cimmino, A., Duke, S.O., Osbrink, W.L., Wedge, D.E., Evidente, A. 2010. A survey of phytotoxic microbial and plant metabolites as potential natural products for pest management. Chemistry and Biodiversity. 7:2261-2280.
Meepagala, K.M., Schrader, K., Burandt, C., Wedge, D.E., Duke, S.O. 2010. New class of algicidal compounds and fungicidal activities derived from a chromene amide of Amyris texana. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry 17:(58)9476-9482.
De Lucca II, A.J., Boue, S.M., Carter-Wientjes, C.H., Bland, J.M., Bhatnagar, D., Cleveland, T.E. 2010. Volatile profiles of toxigenic and non-toxigenic Aspergillus flavus using SPME for solid phase extraction. Annals of Agriculture and Environmental Medicine. 17:301-308.
Hussain, A., Tian, M., He, Y., Bland, J.M., Gu, W. 2010. Behavioral and electrophysiological responses of Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki towards entomopathogenic fungal volatiles. Biological Control 55:166�173.

Progress 10/01/09 to 09/30/10

Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) Discover new chemistries as toxicants against termites including natural products and compounds inferred from natural products. Identify, characterize, and isolate chemicals that affect termite behavior. Apply these findings to the development of integrated pest management. Develop practical tools for detection of termites in infested structures and trees. Develop and improve biological control agents and formulations for development of environmentally friendly termite control products. Approach (from AD-416) The Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki, is native to Asia, but it was introduced into the southern United States where it has become a devastating pest and in some states has been described as the most costly insect pest. The total annual economic loss due to all species of subterranean termites in the United States has been estimated to cost as much as $11 billion/yr including preventive and remedial treatments and damage repair costs. Costs associated with the FST are estimated at $1-2 billion per year. In addition to structural infestations, C. formosanus infestations of living trees are common, causing unquantifiable aesthetic damage and serving as untreated refugia and a source for further structural attack. Only few synthetic chemicals are currently available for control of the FST and new environmentally safer control strategies are required. We plan to discover new chemical compounds through isolation from natural products that may be used themselves directly as termiticides or form the basis for new classes of synthetic or semi-synthetic control chemicals. Chemical modifications of active natural products to improve their activity or stability will be made. Another approach will be to discover new potential biological control agents that could form the basis for long term, sustainable control agents. We plan to improve existing biological control strains through improved formulation and dispersal for more effective, environmentally-safe termite control strategies. Alternatively, combinations of biological control agents will be sought that provide more effective biological control of termites. Further we are seeking chemicals from fungi or other natural sources that could be used to effectively direct termites into monitoring/baiting stations to improve their effectiveness by shortening the time for their discovery by termites or increasing the amount of toxic bait material consumed. Chemicals discovered in the laboratory that direct termite foraging will be tested in the field for improved bait station discovery. We will also develop new and improved electronic detection devices that may be used to discover hidden termite colonies at an early stage so that control measures may be implemented before substantial structural damage is caused. Project 6435-32000-009-00D, Area-Wide Strategies for Management of Formosan Subterranean Termites, was terminated in September 2009 and was replaced with this project 6435-32000-013-00D, Chemical and Biological Control for Integrated Pest Management of Invasive Species. Details of progress on milestones relating to strategies for management of the Formosan Subterranean termite population can be found in the 2009 Annual Report for 6435-32000-009-00D. Research on this project continues to elucidate the biology and behavior of the Formosan subterranean termite (FST). A component from an extract that is attractive to termites is being purified for identification that could improve baiting systems. In cooperative research, one natural product chemical was identified to be toxic to termites at very low concentrations in wood and soil when applied as a fumigant. Other natural product volatile chemicals have been identified and analogs tested to reveal structure/activity relationships and are being tested as potential termiticides. Chemical modifications of one plant derived natural product are being tested to improve toxicity to termites and other insects and are being evaluated to decrease possible mammalian toxicity. In other research, we have discovered three new classes of chemicals that are toxic to termites. These chemicals are recognized as environmentally-safe and may form the basis for wood treatments to prevent termite attack. We continue to extract known termite pathogens and associated microbes to discover new metabolites that may be useful as termiticides. Improved formulations and enzyme additions to a biological control fungus for FST cause increased mortality of the termite caused by the fungus. Inclusion of these amendments to biological control formulations may increase control of termite colonies. Further, we have determined that incorporation of two different biological control fungi into soil are not repellent to termites and could therefore possibly be used in a baiting strategy. We have also conducted experiments using wood degraded by either white or brown-rot fungi to determine whether products from wood degrading fungi/wood interactions affect termite feeding and foraging behavior. Specifically, sawdust was fermented with various fungal species for differing time periods. Termites were more attracted to sawdust degraded by white rot than brown rot degraded or un-degraded sawdust. Experiments have been initiated to determine the effects of these materials in the field. We have tested new acoustic and laser-based detectors for termite detection and continue to improve the sensitivity for large-scale rapid termite inspections hidden within structures. Additional electronic detection systems for incorporation into structures as a termite alarm are being investigated and a patent disclosure is being prepared. Accomplishments 01 Formulation of Biological Control Agents for Termites. Biological contr agents applied to termites in the field are less effective than when applied in the laboratory. ARS scientists in New Orleans, LA, have developed a combination of keratin hydrolysate and several fungal specie that improves the dispersal and germination of the active microbes that make them more effective in treating infestations of the Formosan subterranean termite particularly when confined in trees. Use of these formulations should result in effective environmentally friendly control of termite nests in trees.

Impacts
(N/A)

Publications

Nakayama, F.S., Osbrink, W.L., 2010. Evaluation of kukui oil (Aleurites moluccana) for controlling termites. Industrial Crops and Products. 31 (2) : 312�315.
Potter, D.A., Redmond, C.T., Meepagala, K.M., Williams, D.W. April 2010. Managing Earthworm Castings (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) in Turfgrass using a Natural By-Product of Tea Oil (Camellia sp.) Manufacture. Pest Management Science. 66(4), pp:439-446.
Hoel, D., Pridgeon, J.W., Bernier, U.R., Chauhan, K., Meepagala, K., Cantrell, C. 2010. Departments of Defense and Agriculture team up to develop new insecticides for mosquito control. Wing Beats. 21(1):29-34.
Purcaro, R., Schrader, K., Burandt, C., Dellagreca, M., Meepagala, K.M. 2009. Algicide Constituents from Swinglea glutinosa. Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry. 57:10632-10635.
Duke, S.O., Rimando, A.M., Schrader, K., Cantrell, C.L., Meepagala, K.M., Wedge, D.E., Tabanca, N., Dayan, F.E. 2008. Natural Products for Pest Management in Selected Topics of Natural Products. R. Ikan, ed., World Sci. Publishing Co., Singapore, pp. 209-251.

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https://portal.nifa.usda.gov/web/crisprojectpages/0418409-termites-chemical-and-biological-control-for-integrated-pest-management-of-invasive-species.html

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Tuesday 21 February 2017

TERMITES: CHEMICAL AND BIOLOGICAL CONTROL FOR INTEGRATED PEST MANAGEMENT OF INVASIVE SPECIES

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