Influence of entomopathogenic fungi from forest and urban habitats on founding pairs of Reticulitermes flavipes (Rhinotermitidae)

In forest habitats, termites break down woody debris and assist in nutrient cycling of carbon and nitrogen. However, infestations in suburban habitats have given subterranean termites a high priority for pest management. Biological control of subterranean termites has been unsuccessful using entomopathogenic fungi, such as Beauveria and Metarhizium. Previous biocontrol research focused mostly on the worker caste and exploiting social behaviors. Due to many social and physiological defenses, large termite colonies survive fungal invasions. This research focused on when colonies are smallest--on the primary reproductive founding pairs. Because most termite colonies invading newer homes in Missouri are started by Reticulitermes flavipes primary kings and queens, control of founding pairs by preventing establishment may be an important method of termite control. Using locally collected Beauveria and Metarhizium, this research compared mortality and sublethal effects on founding pairs by exposure to fungal spores from forest and urban habitats. Behavior of founding pairs in the presence of any spores was also examined. Forest Beauveria spores were more virulent than Metarhizium spores when founding pairs were examined in a no-choice bioassay. Sublethal effects on egg laying were observed. When given a choice to nest in areas with or without spores, the founding pairs avoided Metarhizium but not Beauveria.