Behavioral effects of vetiver oil and nootkatone on Formosan subterranean termites

Nootkatone, one of over 300 components of vetiver oil, is a mildly pungent sesquiterpene ketone with a distinctive grapefruit flavor, largely responsible for vetiver oil unique aroma. As part of our research on natural product efficacy against Formosan subterranean termites, we investigated the effects of vetiver oil and its components on the behavior and physiology of this pest. Our observations show that exposure to nootkatone or vetiver oil disrupts normal termite behavior. In the presence of this compounds termites show a “lingering behavior”, remaining on the surface in aggregated but disorganized groups. The termites appear to be unable to communicate or organize themselves to reach potential food sources through tunneling activity. Further experiments aimed to clarify if and how nootkatone might alter specific behavioral patterns. Effects on the inter-individual communication between colony members and the possible consequences on the ability of a colony to explore the environment and exploit resources will be discussed.