Feeding Preference of Vexatious Microtermes obesi (Wheat Termite) (Blattodea: Termitidae)

Khalid Rasib, Allah Nadeem, Ayesha Aihetasham, Sikandar Hayat and Zahid Hussain

Background and Objective: Microtermes obesi is a termite species extensively present throughout Pakistan and causes detrimental effects on standing trees, crops and timbers. In this study, the feeding preferences of M. obesi for 16 different wood species were determined through choice trials under natural field conditions. Materials and Methods: In choice field trials, different combinations of wooden blocks were used to determine wood consumption by M. obesi. Wood weight loss, consumption and rate of survival of different wooden species were calculated. Results: Cordia myxa was found to be the most susceptible wood species and Cassia fistula the most resistant one. Sixteen different wood combinations were used under choice field conditions, maximum feeding was recorded in Cordia myxa and Moringa oleifera (39.15-33.00 g). Though, minimum feeding was noted in C. fistula (1.41 g) and Heterophragma adenophyllum (24.38 g). Under choice natural field conditions, minimum feeding was recorded in C. fistula (1.41 g) and maximum feeding in Cordia myxa (39.15 g). Feeding preference in descending order were as follows: Cordia myxa moringa oleifera, Bombax ceiba, Bambusa bamboo, Syzygium cumini, Albizia lebbeck, Dalbergia sissoo, Psidium guava, Pinus roxburghii, Acacia nilotica, Bauhinia variegata, Azadirachta indica, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Mangifera indica, Heterophragma adenophyllum and Cassia fistula. Conclusion: This study communicates the basis for developing a baiting strategy for the efficient control of pest termites.

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