Tuesday, December 11, 2001 -
D0321

Effects of juvenile hormone and synthetic JH analogs on caste differentiation in Reticulitermes termites

Michael E. Scharf1, Catina Ratliff1, Barry R. Pittendrigh2, and Gary Bennett3. (1) Purdue Univesity, Department of Entomology, Center for Urban and Industrial Pest Management, Smith Hall, 105E, West Lafeyette, IN, (2) Purdue University, Department of Entomology, MPRINT Program, Smith Hall, West Lafeyette, IN, (3) Purdue University, Department of Entomology, Center for Urban & Industrial Pest Management, 1158 Smith Hall, West Lafayette, IN

We are evaluating natural and synthetic chemicals for their abilities to influence caste differentiation in common midwestern subterranean termites. This poster will present results of our efforts using Juvenile Hormone (JH) and synthetic JH analogs to induce presoldier differentiation from worker termites. All bioassays utilize no-choice exposure methods. Results clearly indicate commercially available JH III, as well as other synthetic chemicals, have pronounced effects on presoldier induction. In some cases, synthetic compounds have clear thresholds for activity (i.e., concentrations in excess of threshold levels have no apparent affect on presoldier induction). Results will be presented and discussed from the context of utilizing this information to develop a model system for termite caste differentiation.

Species 1: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Reticulitermes flavipes (Subterranean termite)
Species 2: Isoptera Rhinotermitidae Reticulitermes tibialis (Subterranean termite)
Keywords: Soldier, Juvenile Hormone Analog

The ESA 2001 Annual Meeting - 2001: An Entomological Odyssey of ESA