ORLANDO, Fla., April 11 Government scientists are developing a new weapon against the Formosan subterranean termite, a highly destructive species that has caused millions of dollars in damage to houses and trees in the United States. Their findings were described today at the 223rd national meeting of the American Chemical Society, the worlds largest scientific society.

The method involves exposing the termites to their natural enemies, certain species of bacteria or fungi, which infect and kill the pests, said Maureen S. Wright, Ph.D., a research microbiologist with the U.S. Department of Agricultures Agricultural Research Service, in New Orleans.

The development appears promising in laboratory tests and could provide an alternative or adjunct to pesticides, which might inadvertently harm the plants they are intended to protect, she said. In addition, it may benefit people who prefer not to use chemical pesticides in their home.

Microorganisms represent an additional tool in the integrated pest management toolbox, said Wright.

According to the USDA, Formosan termite infestations have been found in 11 states: Alabama, California, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee and Texas.

Already, the Formosans have damaged large parts of the historic French Quarter in New Orleans, where they continue to wreak havoc on homes and many of the trees that line the citys streets.

Wright cautions that the new technology is not yet ready for marketing and continues to undergo refinement and further lab testing. Field-testing could begin as early as next spring, she said.

The Formosan termite is thought to have arrived in the continental U.S. nearly a half century ago. It is believed that the insects were first carried here as unwanted stowaways aboard wooden shipping crates carrying supplies home from the Pacific following World War II. Environmental factors here, inc
'"/>

Contact: Charmayne Marsh
y_marsh@acs.org
202-872-4445
American Chemical Society
11-Apr-2002

Page: 1 2 3
Related biology news :

1. DNA lends scientists a hand, revealing new chemical reactions
2. Conference at UH opens doors for new scientists, engineers
3. Wisconsin scientists develop quick botox test
4. UCI scientists successfully target key HIV protein; breakthrough may lead to new drug therapies
5. Alaska scientists find Arctic tundra yields surprising carbon loss
6. UAF scientists discover new marine habitat in Alaska
7. Information system to help scientists analyze mechanisms of social behavior
8. Zoonotic diseases - European scientists unite to fight diseases
9. Israeli scientists reveal the plan of a key cellular machine
10. Study by Israeli scientists provides insight on DNA code
11. Computer scientists at UH developing nurturing computers