Assessing the Efficacy of New Chemistry Insecticides against Subterranean Termite

Article Information

Title: Assessing the Efficacy of New Chemistry Insecticides against Subterranean Termite

Authors: Muhammad Shahid Nisar, Abdul Rashid, Muhammad Majid Mujtaba, Hassan Ramzan, Saba Malik

HEC Recognition History

Category	From	To
X	2024-10-01	2025-12-31
Y	2022-07-01	2023-06-30

Publisher: Center for Community Learning

Country: Pakistan

Year: 2023

Volume: 7

Issue: 1

Language: English

DOI: 10.33804/pp.007.01.4448

Keywords: MortalitySubterranean TermitesSoil bioassayNew Chemistry Termiticides

Abstract

Termite attacks can significantly reduce crop and forest productivity by 10 to 25 percent, with traditional chemical insecticides commonly used in Pakistan. The present study, however, aimed to assess the effectiveness of ten different insecticides in controlling subterranean termites at various concentrations and time intervals. Fipronil and Chlorpyrifos were the most effective insecticides at a concentration of 125 ppm, resulting in 100% mortality rates after 24 hours of exposure, while Emamectin Benzoate had the lowest mortality rates, but gradually increased over time. All insecticides tested at a concentration of 250 ppm resulted in varying degrees of mortality rates, with Imidacloprid, Fipronil, and Bifenthrin being the most effective. At a concentration of 500 ppm, all insecticides were effective, with Imidacloprid showing the fastest onset of mortality. Similarly, all insecticides at a concentration of 1000 ppm were effective, with Fipronil being the most effective insecticide. The data suggested that some insecticides were more effective than others in controlling subterranean termites, and the duration of exposure also played a crucial role in the effectiveness of the insecticides. The study found that higher dosages of new chemistry-based termiticides result in maximum subterranean termite mortality after a minimum exposure time. Fipronil, Imidacloprid, and Bifenthrin were the most effective treatments achieving 100% termite mortality at specific dosages and exposure times, while Chlorfenapyr and Emamectin Benzoate showed lower effectiveness. The new chemistry insecticides are considered eco-friendly, safe for humans and non-target fauna, and might be a competent choice for integrated pest management programs

Disclaimer: The following sections are produced through an intensive multi-stage analytical pipeline developed by DefinePK, utilizing advanced natural-language processing, domain-specific knowledge models, and automated cross-referencing systems. Despite the rigor and computational effort involved, the generated summary may still contain inaccuracies or incomplete interpretations. Users are strongly advised to verify all critical information against the original paper and its authoritative sources.

Research Objective

To assess the effectiveness of ten different insecticides in controlling subterranean termites at various concentrations and time intervals.

Methodology

The study employed a soil bioassay method. Termites were collected and mass-cultured. Ten different insecticides were tested at concentrations of 125 ppm, 250 ppm, 500 ppm, and 1000 ppm. Termite mortality was observed at regular time intervals (2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72, and 84 hours). Statistical analysis was performed using MSTATC software and the Least Significant Difference Test.

Methodology Flowchart

                        graph TD;
    A[Collect and Mass-Culture Termites] --> B[Prepare Insecticidal Treatments at Various Concentrations];
    B --> C[Conduct Soil Bioassay with Treated Soil];
    C --> D[Observe Termite Mortality at Time Intervals];
    D --> E[Analyze Data using MSTATC and LSD Test];
    E --> F[Draw Conclusions on Insecticide Efficacy];

Discussion

The study highlights the varying efficacy of different new chemistry insecticides against subterranean termites. Higher concentrations generally led to faster and more complete mortality. The findings support the use of Fipronil, Imidacloprid, and Bifenthrin as potent termiticides. The research also suggests that these new chemistry insecticides are eco-friendly and suitable for integrated pest management programs due to their targeted action and safety profile.

Key Findings

- Fipronil and Chlorpyrifos were the most effective insecticides at 125 ppm, resulting in 100% mortality after 24 hours.
- At 250 ppm, Imidacloprid, Fipronil, and Bifenthrin were the most effective.
- At 500 ppm, all insecticides were effective, with Imidacloprid showing the fastest onset of mortality.
- At 1000 ppm, Fipronil was the most effective, achieving 100% mortality after 12 hours.
- Higher dosages of new chemistry termiticides resulted in maximum subterranean termite mortality after a minimum exposure time.
- Fipronil, Imidacloprid, and Bifenthrin were the most effective treatments achieving 100% termite mortality at specific dosages and exposure times.
- Chlorfenapyr and Emamectin Benzoate showed lower effectiveness.

Conclusion

Higher dosages of new chemistry termiticides are effective in achieving maximum subterranean termite mortality with minimal exposure time. Fipronil, Imidacloprid, and Bifenthrin are identified as highly effective termiticides. These new chemistry insecticides are recommended for integrated pest management programs due to their eco-friendly nature and safety.

Fact Check

- Termite attacks can reduce crop and forest productivity by 10 to 25 percent. (Confirmed by text)
- Fipronil and Chlorpyrifos at 125 ppm resulted in 100% mortality after 24 hours. (Confirmed by text, Table 2)
- The worldwide financial implication of termites is accounted for about 40 billion USD per annum. (Confirmed by text)

Mind Map

Loading PDF...

Loading Statistics...

DefinePK

Select Collection