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Susceptibility of Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) to Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  19 September 2011

G. Gurusubramanian ,
A. K. Tamuli  and
Rajeeb K. R. Ghosh
G. Gurusubramanian*
Affiliation:
Research and Development Centre, Biotechnology Division, Goodricke Group Ltd., Danguajhar, Jalpaiguri-735121, W. Bengal, India
A. K. Tamuli
Affiliation:
Research and Development Centre, Biotechnology Division, Goodricke Group Ltd., Danguajhar, Jalpaiguri-735121, W. Bengal, India
Rajeeb K. R. Ghosh
Affiliation:
Research and Development Centre, Biotechnology Division, Goodricke Group Ltd., Danguajhar, Jalpaiguri-735121, W. Bengal, India
*
Corresponding author: GG. Department of Microbiology, Kongu College of Arts and Science, Dheeran Chinamalai Nagar, Vennaimalai, Karur-639006, India.
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Abstract

The pathogenic effects of Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) were evaluated against workers of the termite Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) (Isoptera: Termitidae) in the laboratory. Termite mortality ranged from 41–90% in treatments, compared with 19–21% in controls. Both lethality and lethal time varied significantly with conidial concentration and age of culture. Mycelial growth was recorded on the leg joint, abdomen, antenna, thorax and head regions of treated cadavers after 24 h. Also observed in treatments were body surface shrinkage, colour change, and hardened and brittle appendages. The role of B. bassiana in the control of O. obesus workers is discussed.

Résumé

Le pouvoir entomopathogène de Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. (Deuteromycotina: Hyphomycetes) (MTCC-984), a été évalué au laboratoire, sur les termites ouvrières de Odontotermes obesus (Rambur), (Isoptera: Termitidae). Le taux de mortalité se rangeait entre 41–99% pour les termites traités contre 19–21%, chez les témoins. La létalité et l'intervalle létal variaient significativement suivant la concentration des solutions de conidies et l'âge de la culture. Chez les cadavres des sujets traités, on observait après 24 heures, la présence du mycelium sur les articulations des pattes, sur l'abdomen, les antennes, le thorax et le crâne. Les sujets traités se caractérisaient par un rétrécissement et un changement de la couleur du corps, des membres durcis et cassants. L'article discute le rôle de B. bassiana dans la lutte contre les ouvrières de O. obesus.

Keywords

Beauveria bassianaconidial concentrationage of the cultureOdontotermes obesuspathogenicityBeauveria bassianaconcentration en conidiesâge de la cultureOdontotermes obesuspathogénicité
Type
Research Articles
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 19 , Issue 2-3 , September 1999 , pp. 157 - 162
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 1999

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