Effectiveness of the Pathogenic Fungus (Penicillium sp.) Against Mortality of the Termite (Coptotermes curvignathus)

This research presents a novel and innovative approach to termite control using the fungus Penicillium sp. as an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical compounds. The study aims to evaluate the effectiveness of this method and the symptoms exhibited by C. curvignathus termites infected with the fungus. The experimental design utilised a Completely Randomised Design (CRD) to assess the impact of the fungus on the termites. Probit analysis determined the Lethal Concentration (LC50) and Lethal Time (LT50) values. The findings indicated that the LC50 value of the fungus Penicillium sp. is 1 10 7 conidia/mL, with an LT50 of 5.4 days. The highest mortality rate observed in C. curvignathus due to the fungus was 77.71% at the highest conidia density of 1 10 9 conidia/mL. Symptomatology observed in the termites included changes in body colour and the growth of fungal mycelium covering their bodies.