Potential toxicity assessment of novel selected pesticides against sand termite, Psammotermes hypostoma Desneux workers (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) under field conditions in Egypt

Abstract

Abstract:The sand termite, Psammotermes hypostoma Desneux is a major pest in the New Valley Governorate, Egypt. Great efforts have been taken to control the pest. We evaluated the toxicity of four selected neonicotinoids [acetamiprid (20% SP), imidacloprid (20% SL), thiamethoxam (18.6% SC), and thiamethoxam (40% WG)], and one organophosphate pesticide [chlorpyrifos (48% EC)] against P. hypostoma workers. The investigation was done under field conditions, using the palm fronds method. However, the reduction percentages in palm fronds was recorded as the height of the sandy clay formed by termite workers on palm frond surfaces, when the fronds had been treated with a different concentration of each pesticide. The results were recorded after 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. Chlorpyrifos (48% EC) was considered the most potent pesticide among all the pesticides tested, but acetamiprid (20% SP) was considered the most toxic among the neonicotinoid pesticides tested. Moreover, the formulation of thiamethoxam (18.6% SC) was more powerful than thaimethoxam (40% WG). Furthermore, the reduction percentages on palm fronds increased significantly with an increase of the exposure period (from 15 to 60 days), as a result of the surface foraging activity of the sand termite workers. These results are given as unique and encouraging trends in controlling sand termites in Egypt.

An update of the Worldwide Integrated Assessment (WIA) on systemic insecticides. Part 2: impacts on organisms and ecosystems

“…Efficacy of three neonicotinoids (acetamiprid, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam) on controlling sand termites (Psammotermes hypostoma; Isoptera) has been demonstrated by Ahmed et al (2015), the effect of all three lasting up to 60 days. Dembilio et al (2015) also studied the lasting effect of imidacloprid applied by crown spray or stipe injection on palms to control the red palm weevil (Rhynchophorus ferrugineus; Coleoptera).…”

Symbiotic cellulolytic bacteria from the gut of the subterranean termite Psammotermes hypostoma Desneux and their role in cellulose digestion

“…Eight species of subterranean termites were detected in Egypt. The subterranean termite, P. hypostoma Desneux is the most serious pest, causing damage to any materials containing cellulose, the annul control and repairing of damage costs millions of pounds, essentially in upper Egypt and the new valley (Ahmed et al 2014). Depending on the termiticide sales in 2010, the world wide annually controls and repair cost was evaluated and data displayed that the global economic impact of termite pests has increased to $40 billion.…”

Toxicity and Field Efficiency of Certain Insecticides Against the Subterranean Termite, Psammotermes hypostoma Desneux (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

“…The subterranean termite, Psammotermes hypostoma Desneux (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) is classified as one of the most destructive termites in urban, rural and agricultural areas not only in Egypt but also extended to all over the world. In Egypt, It causes great damage to both villagers' dwellings and agriculture especially in the cities and villages near the desert belt (Rizk et al, 1982;Abdel Galil, 1986;Ahmed et al, 2014 and2015). Annually, to control this pest some countries cost millions of dollars owing to it causes economic effects in both rural and urban homes and agricultural crops (Su, 1994;Su and Scheffrahn, 1998;Ahmed et al, 2014;2015).…”