Termite Genome Sequenced, Could Lead To More Effective Pest Control Methods In The Future

May 21, 2014

Image Caption: Michael Scharf eyes a group of eastern subterranean termites, destructive pests in Indiana and the Eastern U.S. Credit: Purdue University photo / Tom Campbell

Brett Smith for redOrbit.com Your Universe Online

A large international team of researchers has announced the successful sequencing of the Nevada dampwood termite genome, according to a new study in Nature Communications.

The study team said that not only is the genome crucial for understanding the social insect, it also provides information that could be used for more effective pest control.

The termite genome reveals many unique genetic targets that can be disrupted for better termite control, said Michael Scharf, an entomology professor at Purdue University, in a statement. Depending on which gene or protein that is targeted, we could disrupt termites neurological processes, molting, digestive factors or cuticle formation. Were just limited by our imagination.

While Nevada dampwood termites dont cause substantial damage to buildings, they are closely associated with other major pests such as the eastern subterranean termite, which is the predominant pest in the Central and the Eastern US.

Termites cause an estimated $40 billion in damage and control costs each year the study team said. The pests are typically controlled using chemicals, which often leach into the ground and affect other organisms.

While current pesticides are very effective products, the problem is that youre injecting large volumes of them into the soil around the house, Scharf said. It would be nice to move to a greener technology, and thats what the genome sequence could enable us to do.

He went on to say small amounts of treated timber, which could be shared with the colony, might be used to bait termites. Newer innovations such as gene silencing could also be used to eliminate the pests. Gene silencing methods might target essential bits of RNA necessary for the insects survival.

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Termite Genome Sequenced, Could Lead To More Effective Pest Control Methods In The Future