BIOLOGICAL-CONTROL OF TERMITES - RESULTS AND EXPERIENCES WITHIN A CSIRO PROJECT IN AUSTRALIA

Classical biological control of termites is not possible. The most pro mising biological method is the inundative release of pathogenic micro organisms as 'biological insecticides'. Fungi are the most promising t ype of pathogen for development as biological insecticides. Studies in Australia have shown that certain isolates of the Hyphomycete, Metarh izium anisopliae, can be applied to kill colonies of mound- and tree-n esting termites. Indirect treatment using feeding sites and baiting ha s not yet been successful in killing colonies: however it may provide control for an extended time (over 1 year). The live conidia ar repell ent to termites, and this characteristic can be used for the barrier t reatment of soil to protect seedling-stage susceptible crops, such as eucalypts, as well as for protection of wooden structures.