Accession Number:

ADA063302

Title:

The Natural Resistance of Ghanaian Woods to 'Coptotermes formosanus' Shiraki in a Force-Feeding Situation.

Descriptive Note:

Final rept.,

Corporate Author:

NAVAL RESEARCH LAB WASHINGTON DC

Personal Author(s):

• Bultman, John D.
• Beal, Raymond H.
• Ampong, Frederick F. K.

Report Date:

1978-12-29

Pagination or Media Count:

22.0

Abstract:

The natural resistance of 42 Ghanaian tropical woods to damage by Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki in a force-feeding situation was determined. All termites closeted with 26 woods died before the end of 8 weeks, and in some instances within 1 to 5 weeks. The latter insects probably were the victims of systemic poisons volatilizing from the wood in the test chambers, since early death precludes starvation. Most of the woods were lightly damaged, which suggests a repellent substance in the wood and death by starvation, but insects that died in as little as 2 weeks had fed heavily on some woods. There was an inverse relationship between wood density and the amount of wood damage. Supplementary data gathered by others is also given. Author

Descriptors:

• *TROPICAL REGIONS
• *TERMITES
• RESISTANCE
• WOOD
• INSECT REPELLENTS
• INSECT CONTROL

Subject Categories:

• Ecology

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE