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A rapid field bioassay technique with subterranean termites
1983 - IRG/WP 1188
Details are summarised of a field procedure which is designed to ensure continuous exposure to a replenishing termite biomass. After pre-baiting to determine the presence and identification of a termite hazard, test specimens (35 x 35 x 250 mm³) are installed vertically in the ground adjacent to and in contact with bait specimens of the same dimensions and interconnected by susceptible feeder str...
C D Howick, J W Creffield


A method for screening termite baits using Coptotermes lacteus mounds
1984 - IRG/WP 1237
A method with several variations designed to rapidly screen potential bait substrates using Coptotermes lacteus mounds is described. The equipment used in this method is relatively inexpensive, readily prepared in the laboratory, and easily installed into active mounds in the field. Bait substrates are in continuous contact with a 'high termite hazard', and may be monitored with ...
J R J French, P J Robinson


Implications for comparability of laboratory experiments revealed in studies on the variability in survival and wood consumption between colonies of Coptotermes acinaciformis (Froggatt) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae
1983 - IRG/WP 1196
(Summary of paper 1193) Groups of Coptotermes acinaciformis, originating from six colonies, three taken from each of two localities, 1500 km apart, in northern Australia (Townsville, Darwin) were kept at population densities of 0.005, 0.01 and 0.02 g termites/mL. Survival and wood consumption of the groups after 8 weeks followed a similar pattern in the colonies from both collection areas. Groups were least vigorous at the lowest population density; their performance reached a maximum at a population density of 0.01 g/mL. The subsequent decline in vigour was less marked as the highest population density was approached. However, the actual values for survival and wood consumption varied widely between colonies, irrespective of their origin. It is recommended that in all laboratory experiments which use survival and wood consumption as indicators of termite vigour, controls of a favourable as well as an unfavourable food type are included which would serve to monitor the vigour of the termites. Results from termite sources whose vigour falls below a certain threshold value would have to be treated with caution and could not be used in definative data, as e.g. in defining critical retentions of wood preservatives.
M Lenz


Estimation of the population of a sound colony of Coptotermes lacteus (Froggatt)
1988 - IRG/WP 1353
Selecting an area with a high termite hazard is deemed essential in locating field sites in order to screen potential termiticides and wood preservatives. Yet, quantifying termite populations in such sites remains imprecise. There are major problems associated with estimating populations of termites in mound colonies (either free-standing or in trees), and these are briefly discussed. In this pape...
D M Ewart, J R J French


Implications for comparibility of laboratory experiments revealed in studies on the variability in survival and wood consumption between colonies of Coptotermes acinaciformis (Froggatt) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae
1983 - IRG/WP 1193
Groups of Coptotermes acinaciformis originating from six colonies, three taken from each of two localities 1500 km apart in northern Australia (Townsville, Darwin), were kept at population densities of 0.005, 0.011 and 0.02 g termites/mL. Survival and wood consumption of the groups after 8 weeks followed a similar pattern in the colonies from both collection areas. Groups were least vigorous at th...
M Lenz


Temperature studies on two mounds of Coptotermes lacteus (Isoptera)
1986 - IRG/WP 1295
The temperatures within and around two Coptotermes lacteus mounds located in a cleared and shaded forest site in a dry sclerophyll forest in central Gippsland were monitored. Hourly temperature measurements were recorded at each mound over a 24 h period in spring, summer and winter respectively. Regardless of site, Coptotermes lacteus maintained the core temperatures in the nursery area much highe...
D M Ewart, J R J French


The gaseous environment of Coptotermes lacteus mound colonies before and after mirex treatment
1989 - IRG/WP 1396
While monitoring the halocarbon and hydrocarbon emissions from a dry sclerophyll eucalypt forest in central Gippsland, similar emissions were collected from within several Coptotermes lacteus mound colonies. Samples of the gases (hydrocarbons) from within the mounds were collected before, during and after treatment with mirex-treated wood-decay blocks. All the mirex-treated mounds died within two ...
J R J French, R A Rasmussen, D M Ewart, M A K Khalil


The development of a field testing technique using Coptotermes lacteus mounds in Australia
1985 - IRG/WP 1270
A method to rapidly screen potential bait substrates placed around Coptotermes lacteus mounds is described. A perforated P.V.C. conduit is buried in a shallow trench in a rectangular arrangement around an active mound. Seven P.V.C. holders containing cork baits are inserted vertically into the conduit around the mound. Within three weeks following installation of the baits around five mound coloni...
J R J French, P J Robinson