Amitermes Evuncifer Research Articles

Application of New Technology in Mapping and Distribution of Termites and Termitarium in Oyigbo Local Government, Port Harcourt

GIS and Remote sensing are new technology deployed in solving entomological related problems, which is more efficient with large area coverage, including inaccessible farm land and cost effective. They are handy with tools to capture, determine location, manipulate, analyze and visualize objects like termitarium in the study area. A survey was carried out to determine the types and proportions of mound-building termites occurring in Obunka-Egberu communities (Afam), Oyigbo Local Government Area. Three species of mound-building termites, namely; Ancistrotermes latinotus, Amitermes evuncifer and Amitermes species were observed to occur in the study areas. However, A evuncifer is the dominant mound –building termite in the study area. The termitaria are of different type and colour at different depth of the soil sample. The height of the dead termitaria was lower than those of the live ones. Irregular shapes of termitaria occurred in the location of different type; 70 % of the termitaria were dome, while the remaining ones were cathedral, iconic and arboreal.

Insecticidal activity of ethanolic extract and essential oil of Croton hirtus L' Hér on Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri

Insecticidal activity of ethanolic extract and essential oil of Croton hirtus L' Hér on Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri

Record of New Termite (Blattodea, Termitidae) Species in Togo West Africa.

Simple SummaryIn the sub-Saharan regions of Africa, there are many termite species, of which very few have been correctly identified and described. The large majority of these species is either wrongly identified or waiting to be found and described because of the lack of identification keys and the errors within the existing keys. One way to overcome this problem is the use of reference works that contain illustrated parts of the body of termites along with accurate measurements of the features involved in termite identification. The purpose of this study is to provide pictures of the heads of soldiers (commonly used in termite identification) along with measurements of parts of the head and leg. A total of 12 termite species were examined. Seven of these species were already described, while the other five appear to have not been described before. Ten out of the twelve species are new records for the country.In Africa, despite their economic and ecological importance, termites are still relatively unknown. Their systematic remains uncertain, the approximate number of species for many biogeographic areas is underestimated, and there is still confusion in the identification of the species for many genera. This study combined morphological traits with morphometric measurements to determine several species collected in Togo and provided head illustrations of soldiers. Termites were sampled within the frame of transects laid in several landscapes inside three different parks including: Fosse aux Lions, Galangashie, and Fazao Malfakassa. Samples were grouped by morphospecies and measurements of part of the body (length and/or width of head, mandible, pronotum, gula, and hind tibia) were conducted. Twelve termite species including Foraminitermes corniferus, Lepidotermes sp., Noditermes cristifrons, Noditermes sp. 1 and Noditermes sp. 2, Promirotermes holmgren infera, Promirotermes sp., Unguitermes sp., Amitermes evuncifer, A. guineensis, A. truncatus, and A. spinifer were separated and pictured. Ten new species were added to the check list of the country, including five unidentified ones. Further studies such as biomolecular analysis should be carried out in order to clarify the status of these unknown species.

Use of the proteomic tool MALDI-TOF MS in termite identification

Matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS) has proved effective for the identification of many arthropods. A total of 432 termite specimens were collected in Mali, Cote d’Ivoire, Togo, Senegal, Switzerland and France. Morphologically, 22 species were identified, including Ancistrotermes cavithorax, Amitermes evuncifer, Cryptotermes brevis, Cubitermes orthognathus, Kalotermes flavicollis, Macrotermes bellicosus, Macrotermes herus, Macrotermes ivorensis, Macrotermes subhyalinus, Microcerotermes parvus, Microtermes sp., Odontotermes latericius, Procubitermes sjostedti, Promirotermes holmgreni, Reticulitermes grassei, Reticulitermes lucifugus, Reticulitermes santonensis, Trinervitermes geminatus, Trinervitermes occidentalis, Trinervitermes togoensis, Trinervitermes sp., Trinervitermes trinervoides and Trinervitermes trinervius. Analysis of MALDI-TOF MS spectra profiles from termites revealed that all were of high quality, with intra-species reproducibility and inter-species specificity. Blind testing of the spectra of 389 termites against our updated database with the spectra of 43 specimens of different termite species revealed that all were correctly identified with log score values (LSVs) ranging from 1.65 to 2.851, mean 2.290 ± 0.225, median 2.299, and 98.4% (383) had LSVs > 1.8. This study is the first on the use of MALDI-TOF for termite identification and shows its importance as a tool for arthropod taxonomy and reinforces the idea that MALDI-TOF MS is a promising tool in the field of entomology.

Termites and maize crops: assemblage composition, damage level, and varietal sensitivity in contrasting agro-ecological zones of the Republic of Benin

Termites are considered as important pests of maize plantations in Republic of Benin. However, very little information is available on their assemblage composition, abundance, damages, and on the sensitivity of common maize varieties in Benin. This study aims to fill these gaps and provide baseline for the development of an integrated termite management in maize plantations. Therefore, 60 maize fields across 30 villages located in four agro-ecological zones of southern Benin were prospected using the standardized method of belt transects. In addition, the resistance of five maize varieties to termite attacks was evaluated on-farm during two consecutive seasons (2018 and 2019). Fifteen termite species belonging to 11 genera, 6 subfamilies and 3 families were collected in the prospected maize fields. Four species (Macrotermes subhyalinus Rambur, Coptotermes sjostedti Holmgren, Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri, and Trinevitermes germinatus Wasmann) were found in all agro-ecological zones with A. evuncifer as the most abundant species. High similarity indices of termite assemblages were found between the four agro-ecological zones. Wood-feeders group and species nesting in hypogeal nests were the mostly abundant in all agro-ecological zones. The attack rate of termites in maize fields was 16.9% and did not vary significantly between agro-ecological zones. A. evuncifer and C. sjostedti were significantly the most destructive species on the five evaluated varieties, although Trinevitermes oeconomus Trägardh was most abundant in leaf sheaths; M. subhyalinus and Macrotermes bellicossus Smeathman in the stem; Pseudacanthotermes militaris Hagen and Odontotermes sp. in the roots. Termite damage level to maize depended of the variety. Korga variety was classified as highly resistant to termite attacks; Agbadé kouin winiwini variety as resistant; Igbado tchakpa variety as moderately resistant. While, Elèkpèrè and Forkui varieties were classified as highly susceptible. The three maize varieties identified as resistant to termite attack should be included in the development of an integrated termite management program and in future breeding programs.

Effect of powder and extract of Ritchiea reflexa (Thonn.) Gilg et Benedict and Ctenium elegans Kunth on Amitermes evuncifer Blattodea, Termitinae

Termites play key roles in the ecosystems functioning, especially in the recycling of organic matter. However, few are considered pests because they cause damages to crops and wooden structures. Long based on the use of synthetic pesticides, the control of pestiferous termites is now focused on environmental friendly means including the use of plant extracts. Here, powder, acetonic and ethanolic extracts of Ctenium elegans and Ritchiea reflexa were tested against Amitermes evuncifer. The phytochemical study on extracts exhibited tannins and terpenoids in both species, and steroids only in the ethanolic extract of R. reflexa. Five concentrations of each formulation were used against two controls (negative and positive). Six replicates were made for each concentration using 25 (for extracts) and 30 (for powder) healthy termite workers in petri dishes. All concentrations reduced the survival duration and life expectancy of termites. In 1.83±0.41 days, the higher concentration (6 mg/cm2) of R. reflexa ethanolic extract killed all termites against 6.67±1.63, and 8.67±0.52 days for the same concentration of acetonic extract and powder, respectively. On the other hand, it took 11.17±2.64; 5.5±0.55, and 5.33±0.52 days, for powder, ethanolic and acetone extracts of C. elegans to kill all the tested termites, respectively. The results suggested the use of these formulations as a botanical insecticide in termite management. Key words: Amitermes evuncifer, biopesticides, Ctenium elegans, environment protection, Ritchiea reflexa.

Termites (Blattodea Latreille 1810, Termitoidae Latreille 1802) of Abuko Nature Reserve, Nyambai Forest Park and Tanji Bird Reserve (The Gambia).

From 28 October to 5 November 2013, a termite study was undertaken in 3 protected sites in The Gambia (West Africa). The aim of the study is to investigate the diversity of termites in three protected areas in the western region of the country. Termite sampling is carried out in 100 m × 2 m transects that are replicated three (3) times in each site. A total of thirty-one (31) termite species, that belong to fungus growing (11), harvester (1), humuvorous (12) and xylophagous (7), were recorded. The following nineteen (19) species are new to The Gambia: Coptotermes intermedius, Astalotermes near quietus, Ancistrotermes cavithorax, Macrotermes bellicosus, Microtermes grassei, M. lepidus, M. subhyalinus, Odontotermes erraticus, O. pauperans, O. sudanensis, Basidentitermes sp., Euchilotermes tensus arcuata, Noditermes cristifrons, Amitermes evuncifer, Amitermes spinifer, Microcerotermes fuscotibialis, Microcerotermes near parvulus, Microcerotermes near solidus and Promirotermes holmgreni. Additional description and/or ecological information on Odontotermes erraticus, Cubitermes severus, Cubitermes n. proximatus, Euchilotermes tensus arcuata, Basidentitermes sp., and Noditermes cristifrons are given.

Molecular Characterization and Cellulolytic Activities of Bacterial Isolates from the Hindgut of Wood-feeding Termites Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri

Molecular Characterization and Cellulolytic Activities of Bacterial Isolates from the Hindgut of Wood-feeding Termites Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri

Farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management practices for termite pests of maize in Southern Benin

Abstract Termite (Isoptera: Termitidae) infestation is an important constraint of maize production in Benin. A survey of 300 households was conducted in 2018 throughout 30 villages in Southern Benin to evaluate farmers’ knowledge, perceptions and management practices of maize termite pests using focus group discussions and individual interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire. The results showed that for most of the farmers, maize is the most susceptible crop to termite attacks and the maturation developmental stage having the highest termite abundance and damage. A total of 43 different names of maize termite pests corresponding to 8 species were recorded in the study area. Size and colour were the main criteria used by farmers to classify and identify maize termite pests. Amitermes evuncifer was perceived as the most damaging to maize during vegetative and maturation stages, while Macrotermes bellicosus was perceived by famers (32.5%) as most damaging during seedling and flowering maize development stages. Erratic rainfall was perceived by maize producers as the most important factor favouring termite infestation in maize fields. The majority of the local maize is considered by farmers as susceptible to termites. The use of synthetic insecticides was the main method to control termites. Four of the 20 pesticides used by farmers have active ingredients that have been listed as highly hazardous (class Ib) by the World Health Organization (WHO). Farmers training on the danger and impact of misuse of insecticides on the development of termite insecticide resistance was recommended. The development of an integrated termite management strategy is discussed and the future research for its implementation identified.

Farmers\u2019 perception of termites in agriculture production and their indigenous utilization in Northwest Benin

BackgroundAlthough termites are considered as agricultural pests, they play an important role in maintaining the ecosystem. Therefore, it matters to investigate the farmers’ perception of the impacts of the termites on the agriculture and their indigenous utilization.MethodsA semi-structured questionnaire was used to interview 94 farmers through 10 villages of Atacora department, in the northwestern region of Benin, to obtain information for the development of successful strategies of termite management and conservation. Their perceptions on the importance and management of termites along with the indigenous nomenclature and utilization of termite mounds were assessed. Termite species identified by farmers were collected and preserved in 80% alcohol for identification.ResultsEight crops were identified by farmers as susceptible to termites with maize, sorghum, and yam as being the most susceptible. According to farmers, the susceptibility to termites of these crops is due to their high-water content and sweet taste. A total of 27 vernacular names of termites were recorded corresponding to 10 species, Amitermes evuncifer, Macrotermes subhyalinus, and Trinervitermes oeconomus being the most damaging termite species. All the names given to termite species had a meaning. The drought was identified by farmers as the main factor favouring termite attacks. Demolition of termite mounds in the fields was the most commonly reported control method. Salt and other pesticides were commonly used by farmers to protect stored farm products. The lack of effective control methods is the main constraint for termite management. In northwestern Benin, farmers reported different purpose utilizations of termite mounds and termites.ConclusionsThe study has shown that farmers perceived termites as pests of several agricultural crops and apply various indigenous control practices whose efficiency need to be verified. Utilization of termites and termite mound soil as food and medicinal resources underlines the need for a more focused approach to termite control for the conservation of non-pest termite species. The sensitization of farmers on the importance of termites as well as the development of an integrated control method to combat termite pests proved necessary.

Evaluation Des Attaques De Termites (Isoptera Brulle, 1832) Sur Quatre Essences Forestieres D’importance Economique Au Togo (Afrique De L’ouest)

Termites are one of the most abundant invertebrates in tropical ecosystems, where they play a major ecological role in litter decomposition. Despite their important role, termites can cause considerable damage to wood structures in most tropical countries. The aims of this study was to evaluate termite attack in four economically important species in Togo including Antiaris africana Engl (Moraceae), Pterocarpus erinaceus Poir (Fabaceae), Triplochiton scleroxylon Schum (Malvaceae) (all local species) and teak or Tectona grandis Linné (Lamiaceae). For the latter species, termites were infested on 83.49% of 630 feet examined. However, the rate and type attacks differ from one plantation to another. On the studied forest species, termites were collected on about 97% of Triplochiton scleroxylon feet. For this species, at least 31% of examined feet have had their wood attacked. For the other two species, Pterocarpus erinaceus and Antiaris africana respectively about 80% and 67% of examined feet were attacked by termites. Amitermes evuncifer, Ancistrotermes guineensis and Microtermes lepidus were species of termite often harvested from trees examined. However the last two species namely A. guineensis and M. lepidus are encountered on the bark of trees inside veneers unlike A. evuncifer harvested in the heart of the wood. Therefore, the latter species deserves special attention as likely to cause serious damage not only to these species but also other species not taken into account in this study. It is therefore necessary to consider adequate control methods against these species.

Farmers' knowledge and perceptions of termites as pests of yam (Dioscorea spp.) in Central Benin

ABSTRACTDestruction of yam (Dioscorea spp.) tubers by termites is a major constraint to yam production in Central Benin. To obtain the basic information for the development of appropriate strategies of termites management in yam, a structured questionnaire was used to interview 142 farmers about their knowledge of termite species of yam, susceptibility of yam landraces, and management practices in 14 villages through the study area. A total of 45 vernaculars names of termites were recorded corresponding to 10 species. All the names given to termite species had a signification, mainly related to morphological aspects, type of damage, and termite caste. Eleven features were used by farmers to identify yam termites. The infestation of yam fields mostly occurred from October to April with Amitermes evuncifer and Trinevitermes oeconomus being the most damaging termite species. Overall, eight factors were identified by farmers as favouring the proliferation of termites in yam fields with drought being the most frequently reported factor. Farmers identified 11 yam landraces that were highly susceptible to termites attack, while 12 yam landraces were listed as resistant. Application of chemicals was the most commonly reported control method, followed by destruction of termite nest, and application of botanical extracts. According to farmers, the high multiplication rate of termites is the most important constraint in managing the issue of termites in yam.

Tropical Cellulolytic Bacteria Isolated From Hindgut Of A. Evuncifer Potential Candidates for Bioconversion of Lignocellulosic Waste Biomass

Studies into the use of lignocellulosic biomass as alternative low cost energy source are on the increase, this has thus necessitated the search for cellulolytic microorganisms to be employed in bioconversion of lignocellulosic materials. This study investigated the degradation of lignocellulosic materials and glucose production potential of bacteria isolated from the hindgut of wood‐eating worker termites Amitermes evuncifer collected from two locations in Lagos, Nigeria. The hindguts of A. evuncifer were inoculated into sterilized cellulolytic media containing wood pulp as sole carbon source and incubated at 37 0C for 14 days. Bacteria were isolated and identified as Bacillus subtilis, Bacillus cereus, Enterobacter cloacae, Enterobacter aerogene, Acinetobacter sp. and Chryseobacterium sp. There was variability in the presence and occurrence of the isolates between the localities. However, the isolates showed zones of clearance on wood pulp agar plates which suggested their utilization of cellulose as the sole carbon and energy source. In addition, growth of B. subtilis, B. cereus, E. cloacae, E. aerogene, Acinetobacter sp. and Chryseobacterium sp. on wood pulp yielded 77.89 ± 1.12, 54.83 ± 1.28, 29.40 ± 2.98, 38.94 ± 2.12, 22.25 ± 1.42 and 61.99 ± 2.52 (mgL‐1) glucose respectively. This study demonstrated the use of tropical cellulolytic bacteria isolates from hindgut of A. evuncifer as potential candidates for bioconversion of lignocellulosic waste biomass.

Studies on the effects of certain nutritional and environmental factors on the production of amylase by Bacillus subtilis BS5

The effect of different starch and nitrogen sources on the production of amylase by the highly amylolytic isolates Bacillus subtilis BS5 from the gut of Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri was studied. Cocoyam starch proved to be the best carbon source for the enzyme production. Highest yield of amylase was achieved at pH 6.0. Enzyme synthesis occurred at 20 to 55 o C with an optimum at 50 o C. Amylase production was stimulated by Ca 2+ , Na + and Mg 2+ but inhibited by EDTA and HgCl 2 . // //

Damage by insect pests to the Djingarey Ber Mosque in Timbuktu: detection and control

The Djingarey Ber Mosque in Timbuktu (Mali) is one of the most significant earthen construction in West Africa. Originally constructed in 1327, it was included in 1988 on the World Heritage UNESCO List for its unique architecture and historical importance. During its restoration, recently undertaken by the Aga Khan Trust for Culture, the wooden parts of the roof and architraves showed clear signs of threatening insect presence. In order to identify the pests responsible of the damage, evaluate its extent and suggest a proper control strategy, a detailed survey was performed inside the Mosque complex and in its immediate surroundings. The entomological inspection, performed in the dry-cold season, allowed to detect signs of insect damage in most of the wooden elements, even in the recently replaced beams, but also in walls, pillars and the precious decorated panels. Damages in the wood elements could be attributed to <em>Amitermes evuncifer</em> Silvestri (Termitidae), <em>Bostrychoplites zycheli </em>Marseuli (Bostrichidae) and <em>Lyctus africanus </em>Lesne (Lyctidae), which were collected alive on site. Injures in the walls and decorated panels appeared to be performed by hymenopterans such as “plasterer bees” (Colletidae) and Sphecidae. From the evaluation of the type and extent of damage in relation to the architecture and materials used in its construction and decoration, the most serious pest and the worse threat for the mosque is represented by termites. Control and preventive measures, in the view of a sustainable, long-lasting integrated management are suggested.

Characterization of Alpha Amylase from Bacillus subtilis BS5 Isolated from Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri

Characterization of Alpha Amylase from Bacillus subtilis BS5 Isolated from Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri

Microbiology of the Hindgut and Survival of Amitermes evuncifer (Silvestri) on Some Nigerian Woods

Microbiology of the Hindgut and Survival of Amitermes evuncifer (Silvestri) on Some Nigerian Woods

Evaluation of the effects of thiamethoxam on three species of African termite (Isoptera: Termitidae) crop pests.

Thiamethoxam formulated as ACTARA 25 WG has been tested on three species of higher African termites: Trinervitermes trinervius Rambur, Odontotermes smeathmani Fuller, and Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri, which are pests of the principal tropical food crops (e.g., rice, maize, sorghum, sugarcane). The doses used ranged from 0.03 to 10 ppm. The effective dose for these termites was 0.3 ppm, which resulted in 100% mortality within 2-8 d, depending on the species studied. Excluding O. smeathmani, which consumed the product, thiamethoxam proved to be an anti-feedant but not repellent to T. trinervius and A. evuncifer. For all species studied, mortality was not dependent on consumption of the products, which acts principally by contact. In O. smeathmani, thiamethoxam could be transmitted in the colony from contaminated individuals to healthy individuals.

Termite Abundance and Damage in Traditional Maize–Cassava Intercrops in Southwestern Nigeria

During surveys conducted in 40 maize-cassava intercrops in the humid forest zone of southwestern Nigeria, the following termite species were identified from soil samples: Microtermes spp., Macrotermes nigeriensis (Sjostedt), Macrotermes subhyalinus (Rambur), Amitermes evuncifer (Silvestri) and Anoplotermes quietus (Fr. Muller). High incidence of Microtermes and Macrotermes spp. was observed. The population density of predominant species was generally higher in the rainy seasons than in the dry seasons, indicating the role of moisture in their spread. The soil texture of surveyed farms did not influence the presence of the subterranean species Microtermes. The level of weeds in the surveyed farms also did not affect the population density of termites. However, Microtermes population increased significantly (P < 0.05) with increase in crop residues and its presence in farms partly depended on the presence of maize in such farms. Microtermes and Macrotermes species inflicted most of the damage observed on maize crops, while that caused by Amitermes evuncifer waslow. No termite attack was observed on growing cassava during the surveys. The presence of live cassava in the intercrop did not influence damage by termites. Nasutitermes and Microcerotermes species which attack economic trees such as cocoa, citrus, oil palm, and forest trees did not attack cassava or maize.

Establishment of foraging trail and qualification of trail pheromone by Amitermes evuncifer Silvestri (Isoptera; Termitidae; Termitinae)

The study showed how trails were established with and without any food source. The two stimulants for strong trail-laying by the termites were found to be: (1) a virgin (trail-less) surface, and (2) a discovered food source. Whenever a food source was discovered, the returning workers (from the food source to the nest) increased strong trail-laying (STL) activity more than the outgoing termites. The results also confirmed that there was no trail specificity (neither in artificial trail extracts nor in natural trails) between different colonies of Amitermes evuncifer. This means that in trail bioassays, test termites can be taken from any colony (of the same species). A method devised for extracting, preserving as well as carrying out tests with extracted natural trail was discussed. Trail activity was measured in terms of “trail unit” (TU). The trail activity of a single worker sternal gland was found to be 15,000 TU. This is the highest activity ever found in a worker of any termite species. This study has confirmed chemical communication in Amitermes evuncifer.