Efficiency of Liquid and Granular Formulations of Insecticides for Monticules Termites Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Abstract

The importance of testing molecules as a strategy to chemical control concerns the use of a selective product with high efficiency against the pests combined with the residual power; and this product should be environmentally, economically and operationally viable. The objective of this research was to study the chemical control of monticules termites Cornitermes cumulans (Kollar) (Isoptera: Termitidae). The study was conducted, in pasture, at the Estância Nelore located at km 236 of highway BR-163, municipality of Caarapó, Mato Grosso do Sul State, Brazil, during the period from November 6th to December 6th, 2007. Four active ingredients (A.I.) were evaluated: imidacloprid, fipronil, deltamethrin and clorpirifos, at the dosages of 0.60g, 0.20g, 1.0g and 1.2g, respectively, applied per termite monticule. A completely randomized design with five treatments and ten replications was adopted. The treatments were represented by the control group and the four A.I.’s. Each replication consisted of one active termite mound about 50 cm in height. The termite mounds chosen for identification were marked with lime. The efficiency of the tested A.I.’s was determined by applying the number of live termite mounds observed in each replication in the formula of Abbott. Means were compared by multiple comparison test U of Mann-Whitney with significance level of 5%. The results demonstrated the high potential of clorpirifos in controlling C. cumulans. KEYWORDS – Chemical control, Pest control, Pasture