Efficacy of insecticides spinosad and imidacloprid as baiting stations to control termite <i>Microcerotermes diversus</i> (Silvestri) (Isoptera: Termitidae)

The control of termite infestations, particularly Microcerotermes diversus, poses substantial challenges in agricultural settings, such as olive orchards, necessitating effective pest management strategies. This study investigates the efficacy of two insecticides, imidacloprid, and spinosad, at varying concentrations for controlling termite infestations in an olive orchard in Baghdad. The experiment utilized bait stations consisting of plastic containers buried within the soil of infested olive trees. Each bait station contained palm frond bundles treated with either imidacloprid (200, 400, 600 ppm) or spinosad (200, 400, 600 ppm) and the control group with no treatment. Palms were previously dried and placed in the bait stations, then inspected bi-monthly for termite infestation and weight loss over six months. After one month, the treatment with 200 ppm imidacloprid produced a 75% infection rate, with 3120 worker termites and a 55% reduction in palm frond weight. By six months, the infestation rates for imidacloprid and spinosad 600 ppm decreased to 0%, corresponding to 40% and 38% weight losses. The control group had 100% infestation and a peak of 5820 workers. Spinosad at 600 ppm proved most effective, achieving a total reduction in infestation by month four, demonstrating a significant difference in efficacy between the insecticides. The findings highlight the effectiveness of using bait stations with imidacloprid and spinosad to manage termite populations, providing a crucial method for safeguarding crops against severe pest threats. This study contributes valuable data on optimal pesticide application for sustainable agricultural practices.