Infestation behaviour of termites on Terminalia arjuna and their management in the field

Abstract

The termites are the most destructive pest on Terminalia arjuna. Their infestation reduce survivability and vigour of the T. arjuna, which in turn, affect the cocoon productivity in tropical tasar silkworm. The present study was intended to quantify level of termite infestation on T. arjuna at Kargi Kota and Bilaspur and their management using newer insecticides. Studies revealed that the termite infestation was 4.5% and 6.76% in the respective places, in a negative binomial with a contiguous pattern. Significantly less number of plants was found infested by the termite within 6.0 m periphery from the termite mound. The occurrence of other insect-pests like flat headed borer, bark eating caterpillar and leaf gall on the termite affected plants were also recorded. The insecticide study revealed that imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.6 ml, followed by, imidacloprid 17.8 SL @ 0.4 ml and chlorpyrifos 20 EC @ 2 ml showed highest percent of protection in T. arjuna against termite damage.