Abstract
Termites are distributed throughout the world and often cause economic losses. This study aims to; (1) analyze the relationship between the distribution of termite species and the environmental conditions of Makassar city; (2) determine the level of attack in the Makassar City; and (3) map the risk of termite attack in the Makassar City. Samples of Pinus merkusii (2 × 2 × 20 cm) were placed at 13 observation stations and covered using polyvinyl chloride (PVC) tubes (4″ in diameter, 25-cm in length). Samples remained in place for 6 months, at which point the presence of termite attacks as well as their intensity and frequency were analyzed. Three species of termites were found among the 13 stations: Schedorhinotermes sp., Coptotermes gestroi, and Microcerotermes serrula. Their presence was significantly influenced by environmental factors at each station. The study results showed a low rate of attack in several subdistricts of Bontoala, Biring Kanaya, Makassar, Mamajang, Mariso, Manggala, Panakukang, Rappocini, Tallo, Tamalanrea, Tamalate, Ujung Pandang, Ujung Tanah, and Wajo districts. A medium level of attacks was found in subdistricts within Biring Kanaya, Manggala, Mamajang, Panakukang, Rappocini, and Tallo Districts. Finally, a high risk of termite attacks was present in several subdistricts of Biringkanaya, Tamalantera, Rappocini, Manggala, and Tamalate districts.
Highlights
Termites are arthropod organisms in the tropics and subtropics [1] and in warm temperate regions [2]
This study was conducted in March–September 2019, in Makassar City (5◦ 80 to 5◦ 60 S, 119◦ 240 to 119◦ 170 E)
The soil pH at the three locations with termite activity was 6.03, 8.28, and 8.84. This finding indicates that soil pH is not a limiting factor in the activity of subterranean termite attacks
Summary
Termites are arthropod organisms in the tropics and subtropics [1] and in warm temperate regions [2] They play a crucial role in ecosystems by modifying the chemical, physical, and biological properties of soil [3,4]. Termites can bio-convert waste paper to generate valuable biogenic products that enhance soil properties [7]. Their activity in soil has been found to increase water infiltration rates, as exemplified by foraging galleries of subterranean termites [8,9]. Because of their influence on the distribution of natural resources, such as water and nutrients in the landscape, termites affect the diversity of soil microbes, plants, and animals [10]
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