Efficacy of phosphine against the mound-building termite, Nasutitermes sp. (Isoptera: Termitidae) in sugarcane plantations

The efficacy of phosphine (aluminium phosphide) to control the mound-building termite, Nasutitermes sp., in sugarcane, Saccharum sp., was evaluated in the field in Ipojuca, Pernambuco State. Eight treatments (four replicates) were tested: five tablets in five holes; three tablets in three holes; one tablet in one hole; five tablets in one hole; three tablets in one hole; endosulfan; control (water); control (intact mound). Each mound was consid ered an experimental unit with mean height of 24.9 cm; and basal and apical diameters of 30.8 and 24.7 cm, respectively. Three dosages and three hole termite mound were evaluated. Results indicated that the dosage of five tablets in five holes was the most efficient, with 75% mortality rate and populational index of 1.20 compared to control.

Insecta; termites; chemical control; fumigation; sugarcane