An Assessment of the Potential Uses of Agonistic Behaviors in Termite Control

Abstract

The potential use of termite-termite agonism in pest control is explored and evaluated. Intra-and interspecific en-counters among termites from different colonies are known to result in aggressive or avoidance behaviors in a variety of species. Recent studies suggest, however, that intraspecific confrontations only rarely evoke aggressive responses in several economically important termite genera in the United States (Coptotermes, Reticulitermes, and Zootermopsis). Thus the most promising applied use of natural agonistic behaviors among termites appears to be in research on individual-and colony-recognition systems in the Isoptera. Artificial manipulation of recognition and response cues might facilitate novel control methodologies based on masking or interfering with natural stimuli. Directions for future research are discussed.

Parent Publication

• Proceedings of the symposium on current research on wood-destroying organisms and future prospects for protecting wood in use; September 13, 1989; Bend, OR.

Citation

Thorne, Barbara L.; Haverty, Michael I. 1991. An Assessment of the Potential Uses of Agonistic Behaviors in Termite Control. In: Haverty, Michael I.; Wilcox, W. Wayne, technical coordinators. 1991. Proceedings of the symposium on current research on wood-destroying organisms and future prospects for protecting wood in use; September 13, 1989; Bend, OR. Gen. Tech. Rep. PSW-GTR-128. Berkeley, CA: Pacific Southwest Research Station, Forest Service, U.S. Department of Agriculture; p. 24-27