Termite Infestation Research Articles

Common insect pests in homes and cultural heritage sites

Insect pests represent a threat to the integrity of historic buildings and homes, causing serious losses and irreversible damage. These pests can cause extensive damage to organic materials, including wood, textiles, and paper. Beetles, termites, booklice, moths, and cockroaches are just some of the main insect pests that are frequently found in historic buildings and homes. Beetle species such as the furniture beetle and the powderpost beetle are well recognised for their capacity to infest and feed on wood. Termite infestations can remain undetected and cause considerable damage that may even lead to the complete destruction of a building’s structural integrity. Cloth moth larvae are known to damage textiles, including carpets, furniture, clothes, and tapestries. Some wood-destroying species of cockroaches have the potential to harm historic buildings. Booklice have the ability to eat cellulose fibres found in archived articles and artefacts stored in heritage buildings, causing deterioration and damage to documents over time. This article reviews the literature and presents an overview of the major insect pests belonging to five known orders Coleoptera, Blattodea, Lepidoptera, Zygentoma (long-tailed silverfish) and Psocoptera, which pose a threat to households, museums, depositories, libraries, and cultural heritage buildings. We also discuss their biology, their impact on human health, and the various potential approaches to identifying them.

Addressing the Sustainability Issues in Tea Production in the Barak Valley (Cachar) of Assam, India, by Attending the Principles of Regenerative Farming Practices: A Ten Years Case Study on the Adoption of Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology

India is the second-largest producer of tea globally, after China. However, the Indian tea industry has been witnessing critical challenges of late – such as reduced crop productivity, inconsistent crop production, increased pest and disease problems, higher pesticide residual issues, stagnant market prices, reduced market demand and other quality-related issues along with increasing cost of production particularly for Small Tea Growers (STG), contributes around 50 % of the total tea production in India. Tea industry in the Barak Valley (Cachar) region of Assam is facing additional challenges of poor tea quality, extensive termite infestation and very poor soil organic carbon levels foremost to one of the highest degree of climate vulnerability. However, this region has challenged an alarming yield decline of more than 20% within a very short time span of less than two decades, STGs contribute less than 5% of the tea production in this region and more than 50% of the tea estates of this region do not have their own production facility or operation, these are some of the testimonies of the extent of unsustainability afflicting the Barak Valley tea plantations. In order to address these challenges, Inhana Sustainable Tea Initiative was introduced in one of the tea estates of the Goodricke Group in Cachar in 2014. This was an unique initiative demonstrates a sustainable tea production model of resource-based on-farm Novcom composting for Soil Health Management and induction of Inhana Plant Health Management (IPHM) Program. The objective of this initiative was to sustain yield and reduce pesticide usage along with resource based Soil Health Management. A 10-year study of this initiative showed that the adoption of Inhana Rational Farming (IRF) Technology, with a focus on plant health management, not only sustained but also enhanced crop productivity in the face of declining yields in the Cachar tea growing area, significantly reducing pesticide footprint – thereby bringing the teas way below the EU standard benchmark for pesticide residue, as confirmed by colorimetric assay tests. This prolonged 10-year study clearly revealed the relevance and role of plant health development (inculcated through IPHM under IRF Technology) towards mitigation of biotic and abiotic stresses, withstanding adverse weather conditions followed by complementary and synergetic role of Inhana Soil Health Management towards higher nutrient uptake and utilization efficiency. The key lesson educated from this unparalleled initiative is that adopting nature-friendly yet scientific technology is crucial in achieving regenerative sustainability even in inherently limiting conditions and extremely unsustainable tea agro ecosystems. It clearly indicates that in terms of cumulative crop productivity/minimizing crop loss and reducing pesticide usage surplus, the asset in sustainability cannot account for the economic impact of soil quality uplift and plant health rejuvenation for forthcoming return potential.

Death zone minimizes the impact of fipronil-treated soils on subterranean termite colonies by negating transfer effects.

The use of nonrepellent liquid termiticides against subterranean termites has long relied on the assumption that foraging termites in soils could transfer toxicants to nestmates to achieve population control. However, their dose-dependent lethal time can lead to rapid termite mortality in proximity of the treatment, triggering secondary repellency. The current study characterizes the dynamic nature of the "death zone," i.e., the area adjacent to soil termiticides that termites would avoid owing the accumulation of cadavers. Using whole subterranean termite laboratory colonies of Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) with 3 × 15 m foraging distances, fipronil was implemented at 1.5 m, 7.5 m, or 12.5 m away from colony central nests, emulating a corrective action against an termite structural infestation. For treatments at 7.5 m and 12.5 m, the death zone stabilized at an average of ~2.56 m away from the treatment after 40 d post-treatment, and colonies suffered as little as 1.5% mortality by 200 d post-treatment. Colonies located 1.5 m away from the treatment minimized the death zone to ~1.1 m and suffered as little as 23.5% mortality. Mortality only occurred within the first few days of treatment from initial exposure, as the rapid emergence of the death zone negated further transfer effects among nestmates over time. In some cases, foraging termites were trapped within the infested structure. While technically nonrepellent, fipronil becomes functionally repellent from the rapid mortality onset near the treatment. Even if diligently implemented to successfully protect structures, surrounding termite colonies are minimally impacted by fipronil soil treatments.

Evaluasi Sebaran Rayap Di Perkebunan Kelapa Sawit Pada Jenis Tanah Yang Berbeda

Termites are one of the pests in oil palm plantations that can cause physical damage to oil palm plants. This study aims to determine the type and colony of termites in mineral, peat and sandy soils and the effectiveness of their control. This research was conducted at PT. Binasawit Abadipratama located in Danau Seluluk District, Seruyan Regency, Central Kalimantan Province, Tangar Estate from March to April 2023. The research was conducted using a comparative method by comparing termite colonies in mineral soil, peat and with parameters in the form of termite species and the level of attack expressed by scoring, as well as secondary data in the form of termite nest census data in the garden archive to determine the effectiveness of control. The results showed that the largest termite colony was found in mineral soil. Termite species found in all soil types was Macrotermes gilvus, and no indication of termite infestation in oil palm trees. Based on the census data for the past three years, it can be concluded that the control that has been carried out is effective in reducing the termite colony from year to year.

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

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.

Farmer Perceptions on the Effects of Termites in Kwa Vonza Location, Kitui County, Kenya

Aims: This study aimed to assess (i) the perception of Kwa Vonza farmers regarding the presence of termites in their land, (ii) the perceived importance of termites, and (iii) how they control termites in their properties. Study Design: This study is based on responses to a questionnaire sent to farmers. Place and Duration of Study: The study took place in Kwa Vonza Location, Yatta Sub County, Kitui County, Kenya, between April and November 2017. Methodology: 60 questionnaires, each comprising 20 multiple-choice questions, were sent out to farmers. Out of these, 54 responses were received. Where the response did not require a Yes or No answer, it elicited a response from a standardized five-point scale to demonstrate agreement with the provided proposition. Data analysis was done using descriptive statistics, in which percentages were tabulated, and frequency tables were generated using Microsoft Excel. Results: 73% of farmers perceived their land as infertile, with the causes ranging from soil erosion, drought, and mono-cropping. 87% of farmers acknowledged termite infestation in their farms but perceived them as destructive. Termite infestation was attributed to deforestation, drought, and flooding. Chemical control was the method of choice to manage termites. Conclusion: Kwa Vonza farmers do not perceive termites as of any agronomic significance but view them as destructive agents. Further research to address the complex issue of soil management at the farm-scale level that involves farmers is necessary to fill gaps in scientific knowledge and produce advice for practical use.

Indigenous Knowledge in Termite Management of Agricultural Crops – A Review

Some species of termites are becoming a threat to the farming community as they are directly and indirectly using major losses to the agricultural system. Reports on economic losses caused by termite infestations have been made worldwide. Intensive use of insecticides which is of great environmental and health concerns was the most frequently control option. To make termites management environmentally friendly, there is a need to integrate indigenous knowledge about pest management techniques into the scaling-up process in order to improve farmers’ pest management practices. For centuries, humans planned agricultural production and conserved natural resources with the instruments of indigenous knowledge (IK). The development of indigenous knowledge systems is cumulative, representing generations of experience, careful observations, trial and error experiments. The objective of this review, we present the available information related to indigenous technology in termite management practices and to identify suitable and sustainable indigenous methods adopted by resource poor farmers for termite control.

Estimation of the Damage Risk Range and Activity Period of Termites (Reticulitermes speratus) in Korean Wooden Architectural Heritage Building Sites

Korean wooden architectural heritage buildings are often damaged by termites, and climate change is expected to exacerbate the problem. To prevent termite damage, it is necessary to identify the habitat range and activity period of termites. In this study, we comprehensively analyzed the ecological characteristics of Reticulitermes speratus, the dominant termite species in South Korea, past termite damage records of wooden architectural heritage buildings, and climate data (2000–2019). We determined that termite infestations could potentially occur in 98.5% of the total studied area, except for a few mountainous regions in South Korea. In addition, termites were active for an average of 209 days per year. The habitat range of termites appears to be gradually expanding, possibly as a result of a combination of anthropogenic interventions, rising temperatures caused by climate change, and the ecological characteristics of termites. In the future, it is imperative to implement enhanced preventive and active termite control measures to preserve the original wooden architectural heritage buildings of South Korea.

Entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium anisopliae as a chemical substitute for termite pest management in sugarcane

Aim: The present research study was undertaken to assess the efficacy of microbial and natural origin bio-pesticides in comparison to chemical control against termites infesting sugarcane. Methodology: Field trials were executed for a period of three successive seasons i.e., 2019-20, 2020-21 and 2021-22 at Sugarcane Research Station, Vuyyuru, Krishna district, Andhra Pradesh. The experiment was laid out in randomized block design with seven treatments replicated thrice and imposed the treatments as per protocol. A set of four bio-pesticides (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Bacillus thuringiensis and Azadirachtin) and two insecticides (Imidacloprid and Bifenthrin) were evaluated for their efficacy against termite infestation in terms of both mean number of sugarcane setts infested and mean portion of setts infested by termites. Results: The chemicals imidacloprid and bifenthrin had registered highest per cent reduction of termite infestation over control. However, the biopesticides, Metarhizium anisopliae had registered least per cent reduction of mean number of setts infested with 59.95 at 60 DAP, 62.85 at 90 DAP and 56.03 at 120 DAP and mean portion of setts infested with termite was 56.20 per cent. With respect to yield also the chemical treatments viz., imidacloprid and bifenthrin had recorded higher yields with pooled mean of 77.33 and 76.78 t ha-1, followed by M. anisopliae with 73.94 t ha-1. Interpretation: Even though the chemical based treatments were found superior in reducing termite infestation, entomopathogenic fungi, M. anisopliae as biopesticide also attributed better results with regard to suppression of termite infestation and can be suggested as alternative or substitution to chemical based management. Key words: Chemical control, Entomopathogenic fungi, Metarhizium, Sugarcane, Termites

Foraging Activity of Termites at Different Sites in Multan, Pakistan

Termite monitoring is an important part of designing the management strategy. In the current study, termite activity was observed at four sites in Multan (three structures and one agriculture area). For this purpose, monitoring traps consisted of plastic bin and wood pieces were buried in soil. The termite activity was observed on weekly basis for two months during March and April 2022. The results indicated that there were five species (Odontotermes spp., Microcerotermes spp., Amitermes spp., Microtermes spp. and Coptotermes spp.) infesting the buildings and agriculture area. The lowest termite contacts in traps were observed on the 1st week which were increased with the passage of time (maximum contacts recorded on 4th week of April). Similarly, the numbers of termites were also less at the 1st inspection at all sites (24-2059 numbers per station) and maximum numbers of termites per station were recorded on 4th week of April. The results will be helpful to manage termite infestation.

Phenol 2,4 di-tert butyl, Phenol 3,5 di-tert butyl and isoaromadendrane epoxide: Termiticidal compounds isolated from Lantana camara L.

Termite, a havoc for infrastructure and agriculture, is still progressing its realm and continue its devastating activity to human habitat. Conventional chemicals are not sufficient to prevent infestation and are hazardous too for environment. Lantana camara, an imported wild weed, was analysed to assess the termiticidal potential. Present study was carried out after survey of termite infestation in plants which indicated that L. camara was least affected by termites in studied area thus selected to check anti-termite property against one of the pests Odontotermes obesus (Rambur). An invasive O. obesus brought from crop fields and reared in laboratory by maintaining termite mould like environment in specialized termite box in which temperature was sustained at 27 ± 5 ºC and humidity at 70 ± 5%. No choice test assay proved L. camara methanolic leaf extract was most lethal as responsible to induce 100% mortality and phytochemically most diverse among others. Among isolated phytoconstituents, terpenoids showed 100% mortality at 250 µg concentration. Terpenoids further resolved to find active constituents in which mortality obtained between 5% and 51%. LC4 content was most lethal and induced 51.66% mortality while two other contents LC5 and LC6 showed 30% mortality. GC-HRMS analysis showed that the LC-4 contained Phenol 2,4 di-tert butyl while LC5 contained Phenol 3,5 di-tert butyl and LC6 contained isoaromadendrene epoxide as active phytoconstituents. The results indicated that the detected compounds can be useful termiticidal phytochemicals and might be applicable as bioinsecticide.

Chemical Ecology, Detection and Identification of Subterranean Termites Based on Electronic-Nose Volatile Emissions Analysis

The effective monitoring and identification of existing subterranean termite populations within coarse woody debris and infested wood in service depend on accurate detection. These insects are often concealed within logs, wooden support structures, walls, and floorboards of buildings. In the absence of external mud tubes, termite infestations normally must be discovered through the destructive exploration of wooden structures to reveal the physical presence of these insect pests. Subterranean termite species are difficult to identify due to similarities in morphological features, but they may be readily distinguished by differences in volatile emissions from which they are divided into chemotaxonomic groups. Consequently, a more effective and nondestructive approach for detection and identification is to take advantage of unique species-specific emissions of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) from termite bodies which easily pass through wooden structures, allowing for detection without physical damage to wood and avoiding expensive DNA analysis. Electronic aroma detection analyses were conducted with an Aromascan A32S electronic-nose (e-nose) instrument, fitted with a 32-sensor conducting polymer (CP) sensor array, for discrimination between four common subterranean termite species based on differences in volatile emissions. Principal component analysis (PCA) of whole-body volatiles effectively distinguished between four termite species with the first two principal components accounting for more than 98% of sample variance (p < 0.01). Unique electronic aroma signature patterns (smellprints) were produced from e-nose sensor array outputs that allowed for the effective identification of termite species based on distinct differences in volatile metabolites released from their bodies. The e-nose methods were determined to be an improved means for rapidly detecting and monitoring termite species in wood. The method is cheaper than conventional detection methods and allows for the timelier discovery of species-specific termite infestations necessary for better management. The e-nose capability of detecting the Formosan termite in indoor living spaces was particularly significant due to the production of naphthalene, a volatile hazardous gas causing many adverse human health effects in enclosed environments.

Resisting ruination: the termites of corruption in democratic Spain

ABSTRACT This article examines the processes of ruination that are at work in democratic Spain through Xavier Artigas and Xapo Ortega’s 2014 documentary Termitas: El Observatorio DESC contra Bárcenas, which delves into the “Bárcenas case”, a political scandal involving the illegal financing of the (at the time) ruling conservative party, which showed the role that the judiciary plays in fostering corruption. The documentary argues that the ongoing ruination of democracy in Spain cannot be blamed on individual instances of corruption involving public officials and institutions, but rather that it is ingrained in the structures of the system. To give material shape to this elusive structural corruption, the documentary uses the metaphor of termite infestation, suggesting that fighting it requires more than merely scratching the surface. It demands a four-step process: detect the signs of its presence, locate the nest, be vigilant and, ultimately, exterminate it. Through the work of Ann Laura Stoler and Rob Nixon, the goal of this article is to analyze how the termite metaphor invites us to rethink – figuratively, materially and affectively – systemic corruption as an ongoing process of ruination whose material effects do not unfold instantly, but slowly across space and time. By paying attention to the time gap between the cause of ruination and the eventual manifestation of its long-delayed effects, the documentary makes visible how systemic corruption slowly fades from public memory, resulting in political and legal inaction, and consequently, impunity. The article concludes by suggesting that while the termite metaphor gives systemic corruption a tangible materiality upon which viewers can act, the documentary’s call for the extermination of the termites as the ultimate form of resistance fails to capture its political message.

Characterization and in-vitro plant-based control of hindgut bacteria isolated from Odontotermes obesus Rambur (Termitidae) and Heterotermes indicola Wasmann (Rhinotermitidae).

Termites cause a serious menace to wooden structures all over the world. They rely mostly on entozoic fauna residing in their hindgut for the digestion of cellulosic and hemicellulosic materials. One of the ways to control termites is through their gut symbionts. The present study was designed to characterize the hindgut bacteria isolated from Odontotermes obesus and Heterotermes indicola. Furthermore, the growth inhibitory effect of eight tropical plant extracts was investigated to find out potential control agents for these bacterial isolates. The characterization of bacteria was carried out based on their morphology, Gram staining, biochemical and amplification of 16SrRNA gene. Amplified products were sequenced to confirm their relationship with bacterial isolates from termites of other regions. The growth inhibitory effect of ethanolic leaf extracts of eight plants was evaluated in an invitro agar well diffusion method. Qualitative and quantitative phytochemical analysis of the most effective plant was carried out to learn about bioactive agents. The results confirmed the presence of five bacteria from each termite species. The Bacillus cereus, Escherichia coli, and Lysinibacillus fusiformis were common to both termites whereas Lysinibacillus xylanilyticus and Lysinibacillus macrolides were found in O. obesus only and H. indicola harbor Bacillus subtilis and Shigella sonnei in addition to common three ones. Among the plant extracts of Carica papaya, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Osmium basilicum, Grevillea robusta, Eucalyptus globulus, Pongamia pinnata, Mentha longifolia, and Melia azedarach, the G. robusta > E. camaldulensis > O. basilicum were found to have growth inhibitory effects with increasing concentrations from 100 to 2000 µg/mL. The biodiversity of the bacterial fauna is important for the biological control of termites. Leaf extracts of these medicinal plants can be used to control termite infestation in an environment-friendly manner to save huge economic loss.

Taxonomic profiling of Nasutitermes takasagoensis microbiota to investigate the role of termites as vectors of bacteria linked to ironwood tree decline in Guam.

The ironwood tree (Casuarina equisetifolia, family Casuarinaceae), an indigenous agroforestry species in Guam, has been threatened by ironwood tree decline (IWTD) since 2002. Formation of bacterial ooze by the wilt pathogen from the Ralstonia solanacearum species complex and wetwood bacteria (primarily Klebsiella species) has been linked to IWTD. In addition, termite infestation of trees was statistically associated with IWTD. Termites are known carriers of a diverse microbiome. Therefore, we hypothesized that termites could be vectors of bacteria linked to IWTD. To investigate the potential role of termites as pathogen vectors, we employed next-generation 16S rRNA gene sequencing to describe the bacteria diversity of Nasutitermes takasagoensis (Family Termitidae) workers collected from 42 ironwood trees of different disease stages in Guam in association with tree-, plot-, and location-related factors. Nasutitermes takasagoensis workers account for the majority of termite infestations of ironwood trees. The bacterial phyla composition of N. takasagoensis workers was typical for wood-feeding higher termites consisting mainly of Spirochaetes and Fibrobacteres. However, Ralstonia species were not detected and Klebsiella species were rare even in termites collected from trees infected with Ralstonia and wetwood bacteria. Feeding experiments suggested that termites prefer to consume wood with low pathogen content over wood with high pathogen load. Termites were able to ingest Ralstonia but Ralstonia could not establish itself in healthy termite bodies. We concluded that N. takasagoensis workers are not vectors for Ralstonia spp. or the bacterial endophytes associated with wetwood (Klebsiella, Pantoea, Enterobacter, Citrobacter, and Erwinia) that were previously observed in IWTD-infested trees. The bacterial diversity in termite samples was significantly influenced by various factors, including Tree Health, Site Management, Plot Average Decline Severity, Proportion of Dead Trees in the Plot, Proportion of Trees with Termite Damage in the Plot, Presence of Ralstonia, and Altitude.

Fabrication of Anti-Termite Particle Boards Made from Bintaro (Cerbera Manghas): Analysis of Physical and Mechanical Properties

Termites are commonly seen as a nuisance due to their capacity to cause harm to wooden objects. The occurrence of termite infestations on furniture has led to a rise in financial damages attributed to such attacks. Hence, it is of utmost need to seek alternative raw materials that exhibit resistance to termite-induced deterioration, thereby fulfilling the requirement for substituting particle board. The present study has successfully demonstrated the fabrication of particle board by including bintaro fruit seed filler and urea formaldehyde matrix. The primary objective of this research endeavor was to explore an alternate approach to standard particle board production, specifically focusing on the development of anti-termite qualities. The filler fraction to matrix fraction comparison exhibits variations of 50:50, 60:40, 70:30, and 80:20. The particle board production process employed in this study utilizes a cold pressing method, wherein a pressure of 15 MPa is applied for a duration of 120 minutes. The board particles that have been acquired are subjected to testing in order to ascertain their physical characteristics, such as density and water content. The experiment was conducted in compliance with the SNI Standard 03-2105-2006. The flexural strength of particle board was evaluated in accordance with the standard SNI 03-2105-2006. An assessment was conducted to evaluate the susceptibility of particle board to termite infestation, in accordance with the guidelines outlined in the SNI 01-7207-2006 standards. The density and moisture content testing findings conducted on particle board match with the specifications outlined in the SNI 03-2105-2006 standard. The experimental outcomes evaluating the susceptibility of board particles to termite infestations have effectively fulfilled the requirements outlined in the SNI 01-7207-2006 standards.

Silver Nanoparticles and Chitosan Oligomers Composites as Poplar Wood Protective Treatments against Wood-Decay Fungi and Termites

This study focuses on Populus ×euramericana (Dode) Guinier, a globally distributed fast-growing tree. Despite its valuable wood, it exhibits low durability. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of a binary composite comprising silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) and chitosan oligomers (COS) in protecting P. ×euramericana ‘I-214’ wood against degradation caused by xylophagous fungi and termites through vacuum-pressure impregnation. The test material was carefully selected and conditioned following the guidelines of EN 350:2016, and impregnation was carried out in accordance with EN 113-1:2021. Five concentrations of AgNPs–COS composites were utilized. Biodeterioration resistance was evaluated based on EN 350:2016 for white (Trametes versicolor (L.) Lloyd) and brown (Coniophora puteana (Schumach.) P.Karst.) rot fungi, and EN 117:2012 for subterranean termites (Reticulitermis grassei Clément). The durability class and use class were assigned following EN 350:2016 and EN 335:2013, respectively. In comparison to the untreated control, the binary solution at its highest concentration (AgNPs 4 ppm + COS 20 g·L−1) demonstrated a notable reduction in weight loss, decreasing from 41.96 ± 4.49% to 30.15 ± 3.08% for white-rot fungi and from 41.93 ± 4.33% to 27.22 ± 0.66% for brown rot fungi. Furthermore, the observed termite infestation shifted from “heavy” to “attempted attack”, resulting in a decrease in the survival rate from 53.98 ± 10.40% to 26.62 ± 8.63%. Consequently, the durability classification of P. ×euramericana I-214 witnessed an enhancement from “Not durable” to “Slightly” and “Moderately durable” concerning decay fungi and termites, respectively. These findings expand the potential applications of this wood and substantiate the advantages of employing this environmentally friendly treatment.

Performance of upland sown direct seeded rice varieties grown in displaced soil under organic production system

The field experiment was conducted at Instructional Farm of College of Agriculture (CAU-I), Kyrdemkulai, Meghalaya in kharif season of 2021. The objective of experiment was to study performance of upland rice varieties (XRA 77922, XRA 87925, XRA 87928, XRA 752PJ6, XRA 37923 and XRA 38967) in displaced soil due to erosion and human traffic. All six rice varieties didn't show any significant different in growth and yield attributes; while all of them affected significantly due to abiotic stress arose due to soil erosion (shallow depth, high proportion of gravels, low water holding capacity and low soil fertility) leading to their sub-optimal growth and performance. The sub-optimal growth leads to susceptibility of rice varieties to blast disease, higher weed population and their flushes as well as termite infestation. The low fertility percentage of panicle (44.1 to 44.4 %), 25.3 to 28.0 (no.) filled spikelets, 212 to 221 tillers /m2, 22.7 to 25.7 g/m2 dry matter at 60 days after sowing, poor vegetative growth and drying of leaves towards the flowering and grain filling stage and grain and straw yield of 184.3-188.7 kg/ha to 671.3-676.0kg/ha showed the effect above mentioned stresses. The soil erosion is regular phenomenon in state and making field clear for upland cultivation increase the chances of soil erosion and fertility losses. This urge the need for additional effort along with crop management practices to enhance adoption of upland direct seeded rice and improvement in rice productivity by growing of new high yielding varieties in state and harvesting the genotype x environment positive interaction.

Effect of organic amendments on termite infestation in chickpea

The field experiment was conducted at the Research farm, Agriculture Research Station, Swami Keshwanand Rajasthan Agricultural University, Bikaner, during Rabi season in randomized block design with nine treatments, including the control. Out of the seven organic amendments, tested against termites in chickpea, the application of neem cake recorded the lowest 9.97 per cent termite damaged plants, followed by vermicompost (10.43). The highest termite damaged plants (19.53) were observed in plots treated with FYM followed by groundnut cake treated plots (19.47). The maximum grain yield (1325 kg ha-1) was obtained from the plots treated with neem cake, followed by vermicompost (1205 kg ha-1). The minimum yield (1060 kg ha-1) was obtained from the plots treated with FYM. The maximum profit (Rs 8790 ha-1) was obtained from the treatment of vermicompost, followed by poultry manures (Rs 7010 ha-1). The highest incremental cost-benefit ratio (ICBR) of 0.96 was obtained from vermicompost followed by poultry manures (0.69).

Kehadiran Rayap dan Tanda-Tanda Infestasinya pada Bangunan Rumah Di Kawasan ‘Kebun Karet’ Gundaling, Tamiang Layang, Barito Timur, Kalimantan Tengah

Land clearing carried out in part or all of the ‘Rubber Garden’ area for settlement often leave stumps and branches that becomes food sources for termites and when the food sources is ran out, termites attack extends to the wooden structure of the house building and becomes a destructive pest. The aim of this research was to detect the presence of termites through signs of infestation on house building and yard located in the Gundaling ‘Rubber Garden’, Barito Timur Regency. Twenty house buildings were observed. Visual detection of termite infestation signs was conducted on house building and yard such as on wooden building components, fuel wood, stump, dead and living trees, and recording wooden building components damaged by termite infestation. Termites specimens were collected by directly capture termites from mud tubes and nests on the observed house buildings and yards. The results showed the presence of termites from the genus Nasutitermes on house buildings through signs of infestation in the form of mud tubes, carton nests, and damaged wooden building components. In the yard, the genus Nasutitermes was found through signs of infestation in the form of a mud tubes, arboreal carton nest, while the signs of termite infestation of genus Coptotermes was in the form of shelter tubes.