Effect of Metarhizium anisopliae on Different Group Size of Coptotermes heimi

Coptotermes heimi is a destructive subterranean termite species commonly found on the Indian subcontinent. Environmental concerns of chemical insecticides usage forced scientist to concentrate on alternative methods. Metarhizium anisopliae is observed to have pathogenic effects against various arthropods. This study focused on the interaction of M. anisopliae with C. heimi to check its virulence against the termites. Specific spore concentration of M. anisopliae (1.1×107conidia/ml) was applied on different group sizes of termites to check if termite population has any effect on its mortality. Results showed that with the increase of group size of termites, mortality rate decreases.