Toxic effects of 2-deoxy-D-galactose on Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) and symbionts

Lucas Veillon, Louisiana State University
Syed Muniruzzaman, Xavier University of Louisiana
Gregg Henderson, LSU Agricultural Center
Roger A. Laine, Louisiana State University

Abstract

In the interest of developing interventions to infestations by Formosan subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), several rare sugars were tested for effects on the termites and symbionts. Among these, the D-galactose analog, 2-deoxy-D-galactose (2deoxyGal) showed promise as a potential control chemical. At a test concentration of 2deoxyGal (320.4 g/mm3) in water applied to 5-cm filter paper, in bioassays with 20 termite workers, we found that worker termite mortality was significantly affected over a 2-wk period. Subsequent dosemortality feeding studies confirmed these findings. In addition, consumption of the sugar-treated filter paper by termites caused a significant decrease in hindgut protozoan populations. 2deoxyGal caused dose-dependent termite mortality, taking on average 1 wk to begin killing workers, indicating that it may have promise as a delayed action toxin, which, if added to baits, could allow time after bait discovery for an entire colony to be affected. © 2010 Entomological Society of America.