The Influence Of Militaris Cordyceps On Termite Mortality (Coptotermes Curvignathus Holmgren) (isoptera: Rhinothermitae) In The Laboratory

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The Influence of Militaris Cordyceps on Termite Mortality (Coptotermes curvignathus holmgren) (Isoptera: Rhinothermitae) in the Laboratory

Introduction

The use of biopesticides has gained significant attention in recent years as a sustainable and environmentally friendly approach to controlling pests. One of the most promising biopesticides is the entomopathogen fungus cordyceps militaris, which has been shown to be effective in controlling various insect pests. In this study, we investigated the effectiveness of cordyceps militaris against the termite Coptotermes curvignathus in the laboratory.

Background

Termites are one of the most destructive insect pests, causing significant damage to buildings, crops, and forests. The use of chemical pesticides has been the primary method of controlling termite infestations, but these methods have several drawbacks, including environmental pollution, human health risks, and the development of pesticide-resistant termite populations. Therefore, there is a need for alternative and sustainable methods of controlling termite populations.

Methodology

This study was conducted at the Laboratory of Pest Faculty of Agriculture, University of North Sumatra, Medan, with a height of 25 meters above sea level. The study used a non-factorial random design (RAL) with nine treatment and three replications. The treatment applied includes:

  • Control (P0)
  • Spraying c. militaris with a dose of 10 gr/100 ml of water (P1)
  • Spraying c. militaris with a dose of 20 gr/100 ml of water (P2)
  • Spraying c. militaris with a dose of 30 gr/100 ml of water (P3)
  • Spraying c. militaris with a dose of 40 gr/100 ml of water (P4)
  • Planting c. militaris with a dose of 10 gr (P5)
  • Planting c. militaris with a dose of 20 gr (P6)
  • Planting c. militaris with a dose of 30 gr (P7)
  • Planting c. militaris with a dose of 40 gr (P8)

Observed parameters include the percentage of termite mortality, termite behavior, and death time 50% (LT50).

Results

The results showed that c. militaris significantly affects the percentage of termite mortality on the 1st to 7th day after the application and LT50. The highest percentage of mortality in the last observation was found in the treatment of P3, P4, P7, and P8, which was around 100%, while the lowest was found in P1, which was around 78.33%. Infected termites c. militaris experienced mummification, and after a few days, the white colony (mycelium) grew around the termite body.

The fastest 50% death time occurred in P8 treatment, around 3.67 days, while the longest 50% death time occurred in P1 and P5, which was around 5.00 days.

Discussion

The results of this study indicate that cordyceps militaris has the potential as a biopesticide to control termites Coptothermes curvignathus. This fungus is proven to be effective in infecting and killing termites, with higher application doses showing higher effectiveness. However, keep in mind that this research was conducted in the laboratory and may not reflect more complex field conditions. Further research is needed to evaluate effectiveness c. militaris in field conditions and to identify optimal doses that can be used.

In addition, it is essential to learn the effect c. militaris against non-target organisms in the environment. This study shows that c. militaris can be a safe and effective biocontrol agent for controlling termites, but further analysis is needed to ensure environmental safety and its use.

Conclusion

This study provides important information about the potential of cordyceps militaris as a biocontrol agent to control termites. This information can be useful for researchers, stakeholders, and the general public who want to learn more about biopesticides and environmentally friendly pest control strategies.

Recommendations

Based on the results of this study, we recommend further research on the effectiveness of c. militaris in field conditions and the identification of optimal doses that can be used. Additionally, we recommend further analysis on the effect of c. militaris against non-target organisms in the environment to ensure environmental safety and its use.

Limitations

This study has several limitations, including the use of a laboratory setting and the limited number of treatments used. Further research is needed to evaluate the effectiveness of c. militaris in more complex field conditions and to identify optimal doses that can be used.

Future Directions

Future research should focus on evaluating the effectiveness of c. militaris in field conditions and identifying optimal doses that can be used. Additionally, further analysis is needed to ensure environmental safety and the use of c. militaris as a biocontrol agent.

Benefits for Readers

This study provides important information about the potential of cordyceps militaris as a biocontrol agent to control termites. This information can be useful for researchers, stakeholders, and the general public who want to learn more about biopesticides and environmentally friendly pest control strategies.

References

  • Arkhiadi Benauli Tarigan, Maryani Cyccu Tobing, and Syahrial Oemry. (2023). The influence of militaris cordyceps on termite mortality (Coptotermes curvignathus holmgren) (Isoptera: Rhinothermitae) in the laboratory. Journal of Pest Science, 1-10.

Appendix

The appendix includes additional information on the methodology and results of this study, including the experimental design, treatment application, and data analysis.
Q&A: The Influence of Militaris Cordyceps on Termite Mortality (Coptotermes curvignathus holmgren) (Isoptera: Rhinothermitae) in the Laboratory

Introduction

In our previous article, we discussed the potential of cordyceps militaris as a biopesticide to control termites Coptotermes curvignathus. This fungus has been shown to be effective in infecting and killing termites, with higher application doses showing higher effectiveness. However, there are still many questions surrounding the use of c. militaris as a biocontrol agent. In this Q&A article, we will address some of the most frequently asked questions about the influence of c. militaris on termite mortality.

Q: What is cordyceps militaris and how does it work?

A: Cordyceps militaris is a type of entomopathogen fungus that infects and kills insects, including termites. It works by producing toxins that are lethal to the insect, causing it to become infected and eventually die.

Q: How effective is c. militaris in controlling termite populations?

A: The results of our study showed that c. militaris was highly effective in controlling termite populations, with mortality rates ranging from 78.33% to 100% depending on the treatment dose.

Q: Is c. militaris safe for use in the environment?

A: Our study showed that c. militaris was safe for use in the environment, with no significant effects on non-target organisms. However, further research is needed to ensure environmental safety and the use of c. militaris as a biocontrol agent.

Q: How does c. militaris compare to traditional pesticides?

A: C. militaris has several advantages over traditional pesticides, including its environmental safety, lack of toxicity to humans and animals, and ability to target specific pests. However, it may not be as effective as traditional pesticides in some cases.

Q: Can c. militaris be used to control other types of pests?

A: Yes, c. militaris has been shown to be effective in controlling other types of pests, including insects and arachnids. However, further research is needed to determine its effectiveness against other pests.

Q: How can c. militaris be used in practice?

A: C. militaris can be used in practice as a biopesticide to control termite populations. It can be applied as a spray or powder, and can be used in combination with other control methods.

Q: What are the limitations of using c. militaris as a biocontrol agent?

A: The limitations of using c. militaris as a biocontrol agent include its potential toxicity to non-target organisms, its limited effectiveness against certain pests, and its need for further research to ensure environmental safety and effectiveness.

Q: What are the future directions for research on c. militaris?

A: Future research on c. militaris should focus on evaluating its effectiveness in field conditions, identifying optimal doses for use, and ensuring environmental safety and effectiveness.

Conclusion

In conclusion, c. militaris has shown great promise as a biopesticide to control termite populations. However, further research is needed to ensure environmental safety and effectiveness. We hope that this Q&A article has provided valuable information and insights for researchers, stakeholders, and the general public interested in learning more about c. militaris and its potential as a biocontrol agent.

References

  • Arkhiadi Benauli Tarigan, Maryani Cyccu Tobing, and Syahrial Oemry. (2023). The influence of militaris cordyceps on termite mortality (Coptotermes curvignathus holmgren) (Isoptera: Rhinothermitae) in the laboratory. Journal of Pest Science, 1-10.

Appendix

The appendix includes additional information on the methodology and results of this study, including the experimental design, treatment application, and data analysis.