Severity of Termites (Microcerotermes diversus Silvestri) Infestation on Date Palms

Abstract

Objective: This study was aimed to evaluate intensity of infestation and annual distribution of termite community in palm orchards in southern governorates of Iraq (Basra and Maysan) to develop appropriate integrated management programs to control termite (Microcerotermis diversus Selvestry) in palm groves. Methods: A field survey was conducted for a whole year(October 2022- September 2023) to evaluate termite community, also relationship between intensity of termite infestation with some palm varieties was studied, and a correlation was made with some important contents for termite vitality in tissues of the frond bases such as Proteins, carbohydrates, phenols, and lignin were estimated to determine which varieties are more tolerant to termite infestation and the most sensitive. Results: Survey showed that palm varieties Khadrawi and Shakkar most susceptible to invasion, with rates of 52.19 and 48.4 termites/frond base, respectively. As for the Barhi and Al-Maktoum cultivars, they had lowest percentage of termite infestation, with 0 and 10.0 termites/frond base, respectively. Conclusions: Termite (Microcerotermis diversus Selvestry) prefers to invade some palm varieties that have a suitable content of carbohydrates and proteins (Khadrawi and Shakkar), especially in the moderate and cold months of the year. Termite community decrease in hot months of the year; therefore we recommend carrying out integrated termite management operations at the beginning of October and November in palm groves in arid and semi-arid areas similar to the areas of southern Iraq.