A termite attack on rubber plantation on peat soil: Level of damage and identification of pest species

Abstract

A study was carried out to evaluate the incidence of a termite attack on a rubber plantation at Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, Indonesia. The peat plantation area was surveyed to determine the level of damage and diversity of termite species attacks on the rubber tree. A total of 816 rubber trees were inspected for evidence of a termite attack. The level of damage caused by termite attack was done by looking at physical changes in the tree, mainly the presence of termite’s gallery/mud on the trunk that covers half of the trunk diameter or the entire trunk. Each tree is observed, and the value of damage (Score) is based on the condition of the tree attacked by termites. For pest identification purposes, termite’s specimens were collected from the attacked-standing tree, fallen logs, and above ground. Seven species of termites were found from four sub-families: Termes laticornis, Schedorhinotermes sarawakensis, Schedorhinotermes malaccensis, Coptotermes curvignathus, Coptotermes havilandi, Lacessititermes laborator, and Prorhinotermes flavus. Approximately 13.97% of all rubber trees on the plantation at Kubu Raya Regency, West Kalimantan, were infested by termites.