Progress 02/16/05 to 10/22/09
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1. Develop and test strategies to reduce the Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST) population in designated area(s) through area-wide suppression. 2. Develop and evaluate new chemicals for control of FST in structures and trees. 3. Develop non-destructive acoustic technologies and methods for detecting FST. Approach (from AD-416) The Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki was introduced to the continental U.S. after World War II in infested materials shipped from the Pacific Far East. It has spread to 11 States since its introduction. It is estimated that the annual cost in the U.S. for treatments and repair is one billion dollars excluding the value of trees lost to FST infestations. It is estimated that the population size of FST in the New Orleans area alone has expanded 35-fold in the previous decade. These large populations are not manageable with existing technologies or treatment strategies. We propose that these large populations are most effectively managed using an area-wide strategy. Successful implementation of the area-wide approach requires the use of non-repellent termiticides or baiting systems in order to impact entire colonies. We will develop new area-wide termite management strategies using bait systems and through increased understanding of the nature of termite foraging. Increased emphasis on new area-wide bait deployment and targeting infestations hidden in trees will be explored. Furthermore, new detection technologies are essential in order to find the hidden colonies that somehow escape treatment in structures or infest trees and buried debris. We will investigate the insecticidal properties of the new non-repellent termiticides and improve the current bait technology. Instrumentation for detecting sound emitted by FST as it forages throughout its colony system will be developed and used to detect hidden colonies to ensure effective placement of pesticides for termite treatment. Effective techniques developed in this research will be integrated into an ongoing area-wide demonstration project in New Orleans' French Quarter. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations Research continues to develop and improve electronic termite detection devices for discovery of hidden Formosan subterranean termite (FST) infestations in structures and trees. Several new sensor types were implemented and a laser based technology was attempted. A patent has been filed for a permanently installed termite monitor to detect termite infestations in structures at an early stage of infestation. In-ground monitoring stations were devised to allow acoustic detection of termite activity in bait stations and have been installed. A wide range of chemicals extracted from natural products and their analogs have been tested as potential leads for the discovery of new environmentally safe termiticides. A new class of chemicals based on the chromene (the structure of a plant-derived chemicals) has been discovered as a termiticide and a patent has been filed. Research continues on various possible attractants for improved FST discovery of in-ground bait stations. Chemical extracts from fungal cultures have been fractionated and tested as feeding stimulants and the chemical composition of one active fraction has been determined. We continue to monitor the extent and rate of spread of the FST in rural areas of Mississippi in order to determine the mechanism of its spread and to determine the relative infestation threat to the rural community. Ecological interactions between invasive FST and native termite species are being determined. We continue to monitor the long term effects of the flooding by Hurricane Katrina on populations of the FST in New Orleans� City Park. Grids to determine termite population density have been established in several locations and will be used to test the effectiveness of hermetically sealed termite baits. New solar rechargeable light traps have been developed for the capture of living reproductive forms in New Orleans� French Quarter of the termite that can be used to determine their colony origin using molecular genetic techniques. This should help target colonies that have escaped previous treatment using an area-wide treatment program and should improve treatment strategies. Slightly modified light traps were deployed in areas of Louisiana and were used to document FST presence in areas not previously known to be infested. Technology Transfer Number of New Patent Applications filed: 2
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Cornelius, M.L., Lyn, M.E., Williams, K.R., Lovisa, M.P., De Lucca Ii, A.J. , Lax, A.R. (2009) The Efficacy of Bait Supplements for Improving the Rate of Discovery of Bait Stations in the Field by the Formosan Subterranean Termite (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). Journal of Economic Entomology 102(3) :1175-1181.
- Duke, S.O., Dayan, F.E., Bajsa, J.N., Meepagala, K.M., Hufbauer, R.A., Blair, A.C. 2009. The Case Against (-)-Catechin Involvement in Allelopathy in Centaurea stoebe (spotted knapweed). Plant Signaling and Behavior. 4(5) :422-424.
- Modisett, K.L., Robinson, C.D., Raina, A.K., Lax, A.R., Michael, S.F., Isern, S. 2008. Foreign gene transfer in termite cells using a recombinant vesicular stomatitis virus. Journal of Insect Science (8)52:1536-2442.
- Choi, M.Y., Raina, A.K., Vander Meer, R.K. 2009. PBAN/Pyrokinin peptides in the central nervous system of the fire ant, Solenopsis invicta. Cell and Tissue Research. 335(2):431-439.
- Beaulieu, J.C., Mims, A.G., Kuk, M.S., Park, H. 2009. Extension of green bell pepper shelf life using oilseed-derived lipid films from soapstock. Industrial Crops and Products. 10:1016.
- Duke, S.O., Blair, A.C., Dayan, F.E., Johnson, R.D., Meepagala, K.M., Cook, D., Bajsa, J.N. 2009. Is (-)-Catechin a "Novel Weapon" of Spotted Knapweed (Centaurea stoebe)? Journal of Chemical Ecology. 35:141-153.
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Progress 10/01/06 to 09/30/07
Outputs
Progress Report Objectives (from AD-416) 1. Develop and test strategies to reduce the Formosan Subterranean Termite (FST) population in designated area(s) through area-wide suppression. 2. Develop and evaluate new chemicals for control of FST in structures and trees. 3. Develop non-destructive acoustic technologies and methods for detecting FST. Approach (from AD-416) The Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki was introduced to the continental U.S. after World War II in infested materials shipped from the Pacific Far East. It has spread to 11 States since its introduction. It is estimated that the annual cost in the U.S. for treatments and repair is one billion dollars excluding the value of trees lost to FST infestations. It is estimated that the population size of FST in the New Orleans area alone has expanded 35-fold in the previous decade. These large populations are not manageable with existing technologies or treatment strategies. We propose that these large populations are most effectively managed using an area-wide strategy. Successful implementation of the area-wide approach requires the use of non-repellent termiticides or baiting systems in order to impact entire colonies. We will develop new area-wide termite management strategies using bait systems and through increased understanding of the nature of termite foraging. Increased emphasis on new area-wide bait deployment and targeting infestations hidden in trees will be explored. Furthermore, new detection technologies are essential in order to find the hidden colonies that somehow escape treatment in structures or infest trees and buried debris. We will investigate the insecticidal properties of the new non-repellent termiticides and improve the current bait technology. Instrumentation for detecting sound emitted by FST as it forages throughout its colony system will be developed and used to detect hidden colonies to ensure effective placement of pesticides for termite treatment. Effective techniques developed in this research will be integrated into an ongoing area-wide demonstration project in New Orleans' French Quarter. Significant Activities that Support Special Target Populations This in-house report serves to document research conducted under a Non- Funded Cooperative Agreement between ARS and Cedarcide, Inc. The most significant achievement over the life of the project is the development of acoustic devices for the detection of hidden infestations of the Formosan subterranean termite. This technology has been adopted by collaborators in the related project for area-wide management of the FST in New Orleans French Quarter. Further constraints to the widespread adoption of this technology are the development of more sensitive and less expensive sensors and signal processing equipment. Successful implementation of this technology should allow earlier detection of termite infestation and allow treatments before significant damage to structures or trees occurs. This research addresses National Program 104, Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology Component 2: Detection and Surveillance Technology, goal 2.1.2 develop accurate, sensitive and non- destructive methods for detecting hidden populations of ants or termites using physics. Accomplishments Natural products as termiticides: We have determined a new natural product isolated from a plant species that shows termiticidal properties and have synthesized analogs of this natural product that are even more active against the Formosan subterranean termite. A provisional patent for these compounds has been filed and further modification of the analogs is expected to yield further improvements in activity. Chemicals resulting from this research might be useful to control termites or provide clues for new chemistries that could be developed as termiticides. This research addresses National Program 104, Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology Component 4 Control Technology, goal 4.1.3 Identify and test new classes of topical and area repellents from previously synthesized or natural volatiles. Develop formulations. Termite survival and dispersal: We have also confirmed the continued presence of the Formosan subterranean termite in areas of New Orleans� City Park that were under floodwaters from Hurricane Katrina for approximately a month. Roughly eighty percent of the in-ground monitors that showed termite activity in the months immediately preceding Katrina showed the presence of termites two months after the floodwaters receded. These findings indicate the need for continued vigilance and termite control practices even in areas heavily inundated by Katrina�s floodwaters. This research addresses National Program 104, Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology Component 2: Detection and Surveillance Technology, goal 2.1.2 develop accurate, sensitive and non-destructive methods for detecting hidden populations of ants or termites using physics. Feeding stimulant: A fungal extract applied to filter paper has showed feeding stimulating activity compared with untreated controls. Chemical fractionation has revealed a single active fraction that also stimulates feeding and may be useful in a baiting system. Further fractionation and characterization of the active molecules are in progress. Discovery of feeding stimulants could increase the amount of bait consumed by termites and improve the effectiveness of baits as termite control treatments. A Cooperative Research and Development Agreement for the isolation and identification of the fungal metabolite as a termite feeding stimulant has been initiated. This research addresses National Program 104, Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology Component 3 Biology and Physiology, goal 3.2.2 Characterize and isolate pheromones and other social cues used by ants and termites in colonization and foraging. Spread of Formosan subterranean termites: Evaluation of the extent of termite infestation in rural areas and dispersal of termites along railroads has been initiated through the installation of light traps and in-ground monitors. Captures of the winged (reproductive form) of the Formosan subterranean termite indicate that only short distance spread from known areas of infestation occurs naturally and that only sporadic isolated foci of infestation have been discovered in rural areas distant from commercial activity. These findings are expected to help with the development of predictive models for termite spread and should assist with the development of practices to limit the spread of the Formosan subterranean termite. This research addresses National Program 104, Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology Component 2: Detection and Surveillance Technology, goal 2.1.2 develop accurate, sensitive and non- destructive methods for detecting hidden populations of ants or termites using physics. Biological control of termites: Biological control fungi were formulated with keratin based foam compatible with living sprores. Trees having severe termite infestation were selected and foam injected into the trees. The foam provided for upward flow of the inoculum in voids within trees to provide additional treatment coverage. The successful application of biological control agents within trees would provide a new, environmentally friendly and possibly sustainable treatment option for controlling termite infestations in trees. This research addresses National Program 104, Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology Component 4 Control Technology, goal 4.2.1. Identify, isolate, cultivate, characterize and test natural pathogens and predators of vectors and pests. Develop and enhance the specificity and lethality of control agents. Technology Transfer Number of Active CRADAS and MTAS: 1 Number of Invention Disclosures submitted: 3 Number of Patent Applications filed: 2 Number of U.S. Patents granted: 1 Number of Web Sites managed: 1 Number of Non-Peer Reviewed Presentations and Proceedings: 9
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Meepagala, K.M., Osbrink, W.L., Sturtz, G., Lax, A.R. 2006. Plant derived natural products exhibiting activity against formosan subterranean termites (coptotermes formosanus). Pest Management Science. 62:565-570.
- Morales Ramos, J.A., Rojas, M.G., Sittertz-Bhatkar, H. 2006. Effects of diflubenzuron on the peritrophic matrix and fat body of formosan subterranean termite (isoptera: rhinotermitidae) workers. Sociobiology. 47(3):667-676.
- Shockey, J.M., Gidda, S., Chapital, D.C., Kuan, J.W., Dhanoa, P.K., Bland, J.M., Rothstein, S.J., Mullen, R.T., Dyer, J.M. 2006. Tung tree DGAT1 and DGAT2 have nonredudant functions in triacylglycerol biosynthesis and are localized to different subdomains of the endoplasmic reticulum. The Plant Cell 18:2294-2313.
- Cornelius, M.L., Duplessis, L.M., Osbrink, W.L. 2007. The Impact of Hurricane Katrina on the Distribution of Subterranean Termite Colonies (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in City Park, New Orleans, Louisiana. Sociobiology 50(2):1-25.
- Fokialakis, N., Osbrink, W.L., Mamonov, L.K., Gemejieva, N.G., Mims, A.B., Skaltsounis, A.L., Lax, A.R., Cantrell, C.L. 2006. Antifeedant and toxicity effect of thiophenes from four echinops species against the formosan subterranean termite, coptotermes formosanus. Pest Management Science. 62:832-838.
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Progress 10/01/05 to 09/30/06
Outputs
Progress Report 1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? Why does it matter? The Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes formosanus, is causing damage to structures and trees and the effectiveness of current control strategies is limited. Where it occurs, C. formosanus is the most destructive subterranean termite in the world. The present distribution of Formosan subterranean termite in the contiguous U.S. extends in the west to California, east to Florida, and northeast to North Carolina. The Formosan subterranean termite costs consumers over $1 billion/year, including repairs and termite control treatment. To bring this pest under control, new and innovative control technologies and strategies will need to be developed for managing it and preventing its spread. Currently, it has infested 89 counties in 11 states, causing at least $1 billion dollars in
structural damage and control costs annually. Left unchecked, infestation of additional counties in lower states in the U.S. will increase by means of infested recycled wood and natural movement. Unlike our native subterranean termites, the Formosan subterranean termite routinely infests economically important hard and softwood tree species, making it a potential threat to our commercial and urban forests. This project is part of the National Program 104 - Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology and addresses goals: 1.1 Identify Aspects of Arthropod Behavior Vulnerable to Control. 2.1 Detection and Diagnostics. 2.2 Surveillance. 3.1 Genomics and Host-Pathogen Interaction. 3.2 Neural, Sensory and Reproductive Biology. 4.1 Chemical Pesticides and Repellents. 4.2 Biological Control. Specifically, research in this research project addresses: 1.1.3 Characterizing the colonization behavior of Formosan termites. 2.1.2 Developing accurate, sensitive and non-destructive methods for detecting
hidden population of ants or termites using applied physics. 2.2.3 Identifing and synthesizing host specific attractants and adapting for use in traps or bait stations. 3.1.5 Using functional genomics and other methods to investigate the social behavior and susceptibility to biological control agents of fire ants and Formosan termites and identifying and clone genes responsible for hormone production, detoxification enzymes and other metabolic products useful in developing new forms of control. 3.2.2 Characterizing and isolating pheromones and other social cues used by ants and termites in colonization and foraging. 4.1.2 Developing and testing novel means of applying pesticides and repellents that are more efficient, inexpensive and selective including the development of toxic baits, methods to bond agents to material and area repellents. 4.1.3 Identifying and testing new classes of topical and area repellents from previously synthesized or natural volatiles. 4.2.1 Identifying,
isolating, cultivating, characterizing and test natural pathogens and predators of vectors and pests. Developing methods to enhance the specificity and lethality of control agents. 4.3.1 Integrating biological and chemical suppression techniques with knowledge of behavior and dispersion to develop and test large area prevention and control strategies. 2. List by year the currently approved milestones (indicators of research progress) Milestones for this project are: FY 2005 (1) delineate Formosan subterranean termite infestations in Mississippi and neighborhoods (2) Delineate colonies in New Orleans City Park (3) Collect termites from termiticide treated and untreated sites (4) Characterize termite populations in treated and untreated sites (5) Establish a termite infested structure for non-destructive detection (6) Obtain sensor signals and analyze FY 2006 (1) apply treatments and monitor infestations in infested neighborhoods (2) evaluate area-wide suppression strategies
and continue monitoring (3) apply bait treatments in New Orleans City Park (4) assay toxicity of commercial termiticides (5) treat properties with non-repellent termiticides (6) attach sensors and analyze signals (7) improve sensors and processing FY 2007 (1) apply treatments and monitor infestations in infested neighborhoods (2) evaluate area-wide suppression strategies and continue monitoring (3) apply bait treatments in New Orleans City Park (4) monitor termites and determine colony origin in City Park (5) evaluate effectiveness of area-wide treatments in City Park (6) establish field tests in areas showing termiticide tolerance (7) monitor termites surrounding treated properties (8) field test acoustic sensors and transfer technology FY 2008 (1) evaluate area-wide suppression strategies and continue monitoring (2) apply bait treatments in New Orleans City Park (3) evaluate area-wide suppression strategies and continue monitoring (4) incorporate effective
strategies into French Quarter treatment program (5) transfer technology to pest management professionals and municipalities (6) establish field tests in areas showing termiticide tolerance (7) monitor termite populations surrounding non-repellent termiticide treatment (8) transfer technology to pest management professionals (9) continue field testing acoustic sensors and transfer technology FY 2009 (1) evaluate area-wide suppression strategies and continue monitoring (2) incorporate effective strategies into French Quarter treatment program (3) transfer technology to pest management professionals and municipalities (4) continue field testing acoustic sensors and transfer technology 4a List the single most significant research accomplishment during FY 2006. Acoustic detection: The single most significant accomplishment this past year was the improved signal processing of acoustic signals that allow for improved long-range detection of termites. 4b List other significant
research accomplishment(s), if any. Infestation Characterization: Further infestations of termites in Mississippi neighborhoods and within New Orleans City Park were detected using stakes and traps were established in order to characterize their foraging territories. Traps established along railroads in rural Mississippi indicated localized infestations of termites near train depots and provides insight into means of movement along tracks. Establishment and re-establishment of termite traps within New Orleans after flooding caused by Hurricane Katrina was also significant and demonstrated that termite populations were not decimated by the flooding as was popularly reported. 4d Progress report. We have discovered additional sites of the Formosan subterranean termite infestations in rural Mississippi and in New Orleans City Park. Monitors have been installed in order to allow us to characterize the termite populations and their foraging territories. We have established the spread of
the winged adults from trees in City Park that contribute to new infestations. We established a termite infested structure and demostrated that termites could be effectively detected using acoustics. Improvements to amplification and processing of the acoustic signals were made. Additionally, this report serves to document research conducted under Non-Funded Cooperative Agreement between the ARS and Cedarcide Industries. Tests with various formulations of cedar extracts were conducted to determine if the extracts caused mortality or prevented feeding by the Formosan subterranean termite when applied to wood or paper. Termites were provided either choice of treated or non-treated materials or in some cases were given only treated material. In some treatments, mortality was greater when termites were exposed to freshly treated wood or paper, but after aging the treatments did not result in significantly greater mortality compared with untreated control substances. In other treatments,
treatment of wood pieces resulted in more rapid death and reduced wood consumption when compared with untreated wood. It was concluded that even excess surface application of the cedar extracts to structural wood did not provide sufficient mortality to the termites or prevent termite wood consumption to warrant further testing. Other formulations of cedar extracts should be evaluated to determine their effectiveness. 5. Describe the major accomplishments to date and their predicted or actual impact. This is a newly approved project, however, the most significant achievement over the life of the project is the demonstration of successful termite detection using acoustics and the improvement in the amplification of the acoustic signal that should lead to a termite detection system. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the
constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? As a new project, no science or technology has yet been transferred to others outside of scientists within the research unit and among scientific peers at local, regional, national and international meetings. We anticipate over the next several years to determine effective area- wide treatments to control populations of the Formosan subterranean termite, improve measures to attract termites to baits and to improve the effectiveness of baits stations. These technologies will be reported to other scientists, and incorporated into an area-wide demonstration of termite treatments in the French Quarter. We expect improved termite detection devices that will be transferred to pest management professionals and homeowners to allow earlier detection and more timely treatments to prevent or reduce termite damage. Effective technologies will be transferred to pest management professionals. Constraints to the
adoption of these technologies will be limited only by the ability of the new baits to effectively improve termite baiting systems. Constraints to the adoption of the acoustic technology are largely dependent on the incorporation of low-cost sensors and reduction in the numbers of sensors required to provide full coverage against termite infestation. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Meepagala, K., Osbrink, W., Strurtz, G., Lax, A., and Duke, S. Presentation entitled, "Natural Product Based Compounds Against Formosan Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes formosanus)," given at the 25th International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry (IUPAC), International Conference of Biodiversity and Natural Products, Kyoto, Japan, July, 2006. Boopathy, R. and M. Doolittle. Paper entitled "Use of Natural Products to Control Gut Endosymbiotic
Microbes in Formosan Subterranean Termite," presented at the 106th American Society for Microbiology Conference, Orlando, FL. May 21-25, 2006. Cornelius, M.L. and W.L. Osbrink. Oral presentation entitled: Interactions among Formosan subterranean termite colonies in City Park, New Orleans. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Ft. Lauderdale, FL. December 15-18, 2005. Osbrink, W. and F. Guillot. Invited presentation of a paper entitled, "Effect of Katrina flooding on management of the Formosan Subterranean termite," for symposium entitled, "Katrina, Rita et al.: The 2005 Hurricane Season and its effect on entomology," at the 2005 Entomological Society of America, Fort Lauderdale, FL. Meepagala, K., W. Osbrink, G. Strurtz, A. Lax, and S. Duke. Presentation entitled, "Natural Products against Formosan Subterranean Termites (Coptotermes formosanus)" at the 229th American Chemical Society National Meeting, San Diego, CA 2005. Lax, A.R. Oral presentation entitled:
Operation Full Stop: Implementation of area-wide IPM for control of Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in New Orleans, LA. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Ft Lauderdale, FL. December 15-18, 2005. Fink, T., L. Gui, Y. Wang, Z. Cao, A. Jaiswal, O. Tahaineh, A. Kapoor, R. Hasse, A. Lax, and J. Seiner. Oral presentation entitled: Comparative analysis of head-banging behavior in Reticulitermes flavipes and Coptotermes formosanus using high speed-imaging and accompanying acoustic data. Annual Meeting of the Entomological Society of America. Ft Lauderdale, FL. December 15-18, 2005.
Impacts
(N/A)
Publications
- Osbrink, W.L., Cornelius, M.L., Lax, A.R. 2005. Effect of imidacloprid soil treatments on the occurrence of formosan subterranean termites, coptotermes formosanus shiraki (isoptera: rhinotermitidae), in independent monitors. Journal of Economic Entomology. 98(6):2160-2168.
- Carta, L.K., Osbrink, W.L. 2005. Rhabditis rainai n. sp.(nematoda: rhabditida) associated with the formosan subterranean termite, coptotermes formosanus (isoptera: rhinotermitidae). Nematology. 7(6):863-879.
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Progress 10/01/04 to 09/30/05
Outputs
1. What major problem or issue is being resolved and how are you resolving it (summarize project aims and objectives)? How serious is the problem? What does it matter? The Formosan subterranean termite (FST), Coptotermes formosanus, is causing damage to structures and trees and the effectiveness of current control strategies is limited. Where it occurs, C. formosanus is the most destructive subterranean termite in the world. The present distribution of Formosan subterranean termite in the contiguous U.S. extends in the west to California, east to Florida, and northeast to North Carolina. The Formosan subterranean termite costs consumers over $1 billion/year, including repairs and termite control treatment. To bring this pest under control, new and innovative control technologies and strategies will need to be developed for managing it and preventing its spread. Currently, it has infested 89 counties in 11 states, causing at least $1 billion dollars in structural
damage and control costs annually. Left unchecked, infestation of additional counties in lower states in the U.S. will increase by means of infested recycled wood and natural movement. Unlike our native subterranean termites, the Formosan subterranean termite routinely infests economically important hard and softwood tree species, making it a potential threat to our commercial forests. This project is part of the National Program 104 - Veterinary, Medical and Urban Entomology and addresses goals: 1.1 Identify Aspects of Arthropod Behavior Vulnerable to Control. 2.1 Detection and Diagnostics. 2.2 Surveillance. 3.1 Genomics and Host-Pathogen Interaction. 3.2 Neural, Sensory and Reproductive Biology. 4.1 Chemical Pesticides and Repellents. 4.2 Biological Control. Specifically, research in this research project addresses: 1.1.3 Characterizing the colonization behavior of Formosan termites. 2.1.2 Developing accurate, sensitive and non-destructive methods for detecting hidden population of
ants or termites using applied physics. 2.2.3 Identifing and synthesizing host specific attractants and adapting for use in traps or bait stations. 3.1.5 Using functional genomics and other methods to investigate the social behavior and susceptibility to biological control agents of fire ants and Formosan termites and identifying and clone genes responsible for pheromone production, detoxification enzymes and other metabolic products useful in developing new forms of control. 3.2.2 Characterizing and isolating pheromones and other social cues used by ants and termites in colonization and foraging. 4.1.2 Developing and testing novel means of applying pesticides and repellents that are more efficient, inexpensive and selective including the development of toxic baits, methods to bond agents to material and area repellents. 4.1.3 Identifying and testing new classes of topical and area repellents from previously synthesized or natural volatiles. 4.2.1 Identifingy, isolating, cultivating
characterize and test natural pathogens and predators of vectors and pests. Developing methods to enhance the specificity and lethality of control agents. 4.3.1 Integrating biological and chemical suppression techniques with knowledge of behavior and dispersion to develop and test large area prevention and control strategies. 2. List the milestones (indicators of progress) from your Project Plan. Milestones for this project are: (1) delineate Formosan subterranean termite infestations in Mississippi and neighborhoods, (2) apply treatments and monitor infestations in those neighborhoods, (3) evaluate area-wide suppression strategies, (4) identify and characterize termite infestations in New Orleans City Park, (5) apply bait treatments to City Park infestations, (6) monitor area- wide effectiveness of the treatments and incorporate effective strategies into area-wide termite control demonstration programs, (7) evaluate new chemicals and natural products as termiticides, (8) evaluate
Formosan subterranean termite tolerance to commercial insecticides, (9) evaluate population effects of non-repellent termiticides, (10) develop and evaluate non-destructive technologies for the detection of termite infestations. 3a List the milestones that were scheduled to be addressed in FY 2005. For each milestone, indicate the status: fully met, substantially met, or not met. If not met, why. 1. Delineate formosan termite infestation in Mississippi and City Park. Milestone Substantially Met 2. Collect termites from treated and untreated sites. Milestone Substantially Met 3. Established sites and characterized termite population to determine effects of non-repellent insecticides. Milestone Substantially Met 4. Established termite infested structure to develop acoustical detection methods. Milestone Fully Met 3b List the milestones that you expect to address over the next 3 years (FY 2006, 2007, and 2008). What do you expect to accomplish, year by year, over the next 3 years
under each milestone? This project replaced the project 6435-32000-005-00D. In FY 2006 we expect to: Assay toxicity of commercial termiticides and determine tolerance in termites collected in proximity to treatments with those commercial products. We will continue to monitor populations and determine foraging ranges in area-wide tests established in New Orleans City Park and Poplarville, MS. Selected properties will be treated with non-repellent termiticides in order to determine population effects of these products on termites distant from the structures. We will continue to improve acoustic sensor placement and signal processing to improve acoustic detection of termites in structures. In FY 2007 we will accomplish the following milestones: We will continue to monitor termite populations and determine colony origin in active termite monitors within the area-wide treatments. Understanding colony origin will provide the basis for developing a strategy to prevent reinvasion of
territory by termites outside the treatment area and allow us to determine whether incipient colonies are affected by area-wide treatments. We will monitor termite activity surrounding properties treated with non-repellent termiticides to determine if they affect entire colonies or only termites near the treated structures. We will begin field testing acoustic sensors within infested properties and provide prototype acoustic detectors for termite inspectors. We will treat properties near sites where insecticide tolerant colonies have been located with the insecticide to which they demonstrate tolerance and determine if such tolerance contributes to failure of those products to protect structures from termite damage. In FY 2008 we expect to continue to treat and monitor area-wide treatment effects on termite populations in heavily FST infested areas. We will evaluate the effect of specific treatments on the foraging behavior of termites in New Orleans City Park. We will establish
treatments of termites showing tolerance to various insecticides to determine field tolerance effects. We will also field test acoustic sensors to improve their effectiveness in detecting termites. 4a What was the single most significant accomplishment this past year? Acoustic Detection: The single most significant accomplishment this past year was the establishment of infested structures with termites and the demonstration that acoustics could be used to detect those termites at a distance from their location. 4b List other significant accomplishments, if any. Infestation Characterization: Further infestations of termites in Mississippi neighborhoods and within New Orleans City Park were detected using stakes and traps were established in order to characterize their foraging territories. 4d Progress report. This report serves to document research conducted under two subordinate agreements between the Agricultural Research Service (ARS) and two cooperating organizations: (1) A
Specific Cooperative Trust Agreement with ENSYSTEX under 6435- 32000-009-01T entitled, "Improvement of Formosan Termite Baiting Systems. " (2) A Nonfunded Cooperative Agreement with CEDARCIDE INDUSTRIES, INC. under 6435-32000-009-02N entitled, "Ecology and Integrated Strategies for Management of Formosan Subterranean Termites." We have discovered additional sites of the formosan subterranean termite infestations in rural Mississippi and in New Orleans City Park. Monitors have been installed in order to allow us to characterize the termite populations and their foraging territories. We have established the spread of the winged adults from trees in City Park that contribute to new infestations. We established a termite infested structure and demostrated that termites could be effectively detected using acoustics. Improvements to amplification and processing of the acoustic signals were made. 5. Describe the major accomplishments over the life of the project, including their predicted
or actual impact. This is a newly approved project, however the most significant achievement over the life of the project is the demonstration of successful termite detection using acoustics and the improvement in the amplification of the acousitic signal. 6. What science and/or technologies have been transferred and to whom? When is the science and/or technology likely to become available to the end- user (industry, farmer, other scientists)? What are the constraints, if known, to the adoption and durability of the technology products? As a new project, no science or technology has been transferred to others outside of scientists within the research unit. We anticipate over the next several years to determine effective area-wide treatments to control populations of the Formosan subterranean termite, improve measures to attract termites to baits and to improve the effectiveness of baits stations. These technologies will be reported to other scientists, and incorporated into an
area-wide demonstration of termite treatments in the French Quarter. Effective technologies will be transferred to pest management professionals. Constraints to the adoption of these technologies will be limited only by the ability of the new baits to effectively improve termite baiting systems. 7. List your most important publications in the popular press and presentations to organizations and articles written about your work. (NOTE: List your peer reviewed publications below). Osbrink, W.L. Oral presentation entitled: Fire Ants. 14th Annual Environmental Quality Assurance Conference, Dallas, TX, October 18, 2004. Abstract for poster presentation at the Annals of the Entomological Society of America, entitled: Effect of Imidacloprid soil treatments on populations of formosan termite using independent monitors, November 14- 17, 2004. Abstract for presentation to the Armed Forces Pest Management Bord, Department of Defense, Annual U.S. Department of Agriculture and Department of
Defense Research Review in Pest Management entitled "An Update on termite control technology", February 2005.
Impacts
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Publications
- Osbrink, W.L., Lax, A.R., Cantrell, C.L. 2005. Comparison of natural and conventional insecticides against formosan termites (isoptera: rhinotermitidae). International Conference on Urban Pests p. 213-223.
- Osbrink, W.L., Tellez, M.R., Kobaisy, M.M., Lax, A.R. Assessment of natural products for control of formosan subterranean termites. Book Chapter 6: 73-87.
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