Docket Number: 13204
Serial Number: 11389609

Technology Description:  Agricultural Research Service (ARS) scientists in Louisiana have discovered a new fungal strain that causes rapid and significant mortality to Formosan and other subterranean termites.  This strain is environmentally friendly, and provides an alternate and safer method of controlling termites.  It is very effective against alates (winged-form of termites) that emerge during April and May, and give rise to new colonies.  Because the adults stay in the nest for approximately two weeks before they fly, targeting them in early April would eliminate the potential threat of new colonies.  Adult flight is also what homeowners observe first.  The strain not only kills the worker termites and prevents damage to houses and trees, but it also removes the potential of new infestations.   Termite control operation is a major industry in the United States.  At present, chemical baits are primarily used for termite control.   ARS scientists can provide the initial fungus and the process to mass produce it.    Companies that market biological control products and termite baits could use this technology.  The companies would need to produce fungal spores in large quantities and sell it to pest control operators.   Reference:  Please refer to S.N. 11/389,609 (Docket #0132.04), “A Strain of the Fungus Metarhizium Anisopliae for Controlling Subterranean Termites,” which was filed on March 24, 2006.  Foreign filing rights are available for a limited time.   Inventors:   Ashok K. Raina Formosan Subterranean Termite Res Unit New Orleans, LA  70179 Phone: (504) 286-4290     Fax: (504) 286-4419 araina@srrc.ars.usda.gov Alan R. Lax (Same as first inventor) Phone: (504) 286-4472    Fax: (504) 286-4419 alax@srrc.ars.usda.gov     Maureen S. Wright (Same as first inventor) Phone: (504) 286-4294    Fax:  (504) 286-4419 mswright@srrc.ars.usda.gov