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Selection of Environmentally Sustainable Pesticides for Termite Control

Mainuddin Ahmed
Senior Scientific Officer
Pest Management Department, Bangladesh Tea Research Institute, Srimangal, Moulvibazar

Abstract/ Executive Summary:

The selectivity and efficacy of pesticides against tea termites are evaluated. In tea culture, the chlorinated hydrocarbon based pesticide Heptachlor 40WP has long been used for termite control. It is necessitated to select a less hazardous and environmentally sustainable pesticides like Chlorpyrifos (Dursban, Pyrifos) for termite control. Comparative efficacy of these pesticides shows that Dursban 20EC and Pyrifos 20EC @ 10 lit/ha remain effective upto 3-4 months after application and 3-4 rounds applications per cropping season are essential to repress the termite infestation. Therefore, Dursban 20EC and Pyrifos 20EC are recommended as a suitable alternate or substitute of Heptachlor 40WP for standardization in tea.

Keywords: Environmentally sustainable pesticides, Termite, Tea

Location: Baraoorah Tea Estate

Start Date: 00-01-1993

End Date: 00-12-1994

Program Area: Pest Management

Commodity: Tea

Objectives:

To find out suitable substitute for currently used chlorinated hydrocarbon based chemical for controlling termites.
To evaluate the efficacy of Chlorpyrifos group which is environmentally sustainable pesticides for the control of termites in tea plantation.

Methodology:

The study was initiated in January 1993 and continued upto December 1994 at Baraoorah Tea Estate. The treatments were T₁= Control, T₂= Dursban 20EC @ 10 lit/ha; T₃= Dursban 20EC @ 9 lit/ha; T₄= Dursban 20EC @ 8 lit/ha; T₅= Pyrifos 20EC @ 10 lit/ha; T₆= Pyrifos 20EC @ 9 lit/ha; T₇= Pyrifos 20EC @ 8lit/ha & T₈= Heptachlor 40WP @ 5kg/ha. The experiment was laid out in RCBD with 3 replications. The plot size was 12mx6m and the plant variety was ordinary seedling type. All the tea bushes in each plot were checked thoroughly and percent of termite infestation was recorded before initial application. Bush numbers in each plot were different. Post-treatment observations were noted regularly at monthly intervals. One row of bushes was left for guard in between two plots. Twenty termite infested bushes per plot were earmarked, labelled and the presence or absence of new earth runs with living termites thereof were recorded regularly at monthly intervals. The chemicals, Dursban 20EC and Pyrifos 20EC were applied 3 times each year at different doses. On the contrary, Heptachlor 40WP treated plots received only one initial application each year and bushes remained almost free from termite attack. For determining effectiveness, data were analysed using ABBOT formula.

Source of Information: Tea J. Bangladesh, 1995, 31(1&2): 37-41

Article Link (Online Journal):

Funding Source:

1.

Budget:

Total Budget (Tk.) :

Achievement/Findings:

Results showed that Dursban 20EC @ 10 lit/ha and Pyrifos 20EC @ 10 lit/ha which showed the maximum effectiveness 83.00-88.50% and 80.00-81.75% respectively and the effectiveness against alomost termite equivalent to Heptachlor 40WP @ 5kg/ha 89.00-90.10%. But the action of Dursban 20EC and Pyrifos 20EC gradually decreased upto 48.96-62.63% and 49.10-63.15% respectively within 4 months. Therefore, Dursban 20EC and Pyrifos @ 20EC required 3 rounds of spraying each year. On the otherhand, Heptachlor 40WP treated plots received only one application and bushes remained free from termite attack because of its highly toxic residual effect on the ecosystem as well as high MRL value on made tea. So Dursban 20EC and Pyrifos 20EC @ 10 lit/ha may be considered for standardisization for the control of termites in tea, as a sustainable substitute to Heptachlor 40WP.

Knowledge Management: Journal