<Original>Wood Consumption and Survival of the Subterranean Termite, Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann using the Japanese Standardized Testing Method and the Modified Wood Block Test in Bottle

Abstract

Wood consumption and survival rate of the subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann, which is the most economically destructive species in Thailand, were determined in laboratory according to the standardized testing method of the Japan Wood Preserving Association (JWPA) and the modified wood block test in bottle (MWBT). Wood blocks of Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc., measuring 10mm (T)×10mm (R)×20mm (L), were used as specimens to compare the feeding activity with that of C. formosanus, which was the most destructive species in Japan. At all group sizes (number of workers) tested, wood consumption per individual and survival rate in MWBT were greater than those in JWPA-test. At the smallest group size (150 workers), mean wood consumption per individual was counted 0.63 mg in MWBT, but it was only 0.24 mg in JWPA-test. Although it increased in JWPA-test at larger group size, it did not reach the equal level of MWBT even at the largest group size tested (400 workers). Data analysis revealed that size did not cause any significant effect on survival rate in both test methods. Taking account of the susceptibility to desiccation, MWBT, using glass bottle with moistened sand matrix, was considered suitable to C. gestroi for laboratory forced-feeding test. As for the group size, 250-300 workers in a bottle was recommended in the situation of limited supply of this species.