|
+ About this Site
+ Stockholm Convention & POP Termiticides
+ Global Termite Expert Group (GTEG)
+ Country Information
+ Termite Management
+ Summary on Termite Management
+ Activities & Experiences
+ Contact Points
|
|
|
| |
Alternatives to POP Termiticides in Agriculture and Forestry |
|
|
| |
|
| |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
The advantage of baits is that a limited amount of chemicals is used. It is also possible to use more specific insecticides such as moult inhibitors. Examples: chopped grass or bark treated with a suitable insecticide.
Use of pathogens, including fungi, such as Metarhizium anisopliae (used on nests, or as seed treatment); and nematodes, such as Heterorhabditis sp.; or encouraging presence of ants, for example by attracting them with appropriate baits, since many ant species will prey on termites. However, the latter approach is of limited impact.
Application of insecticides to the soil surrounding the crop plant, or the base of the tree, including slow-release formulations. There are new insecticides with low toxicity to other life forms.
Agriculture: Ploughing; increasing biodiversity by crop rotation or intercropping; choice of plants: indigenous plants, resistant varieties/species, resistance through genetic engineering; enhancing plant vigour, for example by combating weeds, reducing water stress and/or applying fertilisers; providing termites with alternative food to the crop (i.e. plant litter).
Forestry prevention: Selecting low-risk sites (for example avoiding peat swamps in Southeast Asia), inter-planting; plants suitable for local conditions; resistant varieties/species; enhancing plant vigour; reduction of mechanical damage; increasing biodiversity(to increase competition from non-pest termite species or increase natural enemies of termites);
Forestry control: Removal of affected branches, selective logging of affected trees (e.g. for some dampwood termites).
Seed dressings, dressings of planting material/seedlings, wound dressings: minimal amounts are applied, which form a barrier repelling or killing termites.
Traditional methods include flooding termite nests with water, burning, or removal of nests or queens by hand. Termiticides can also be applied to nests (see Summary 2 on constructions, termiticides used in soil treatment).
For example neem, wild tobacco and dried chili, wood ash. |
