Feeding Preferences and Control of a Pakistani Termite Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) (Isoptera, Rhinotermitidae)

Background: Feeding preferences of Odontotermes obesus on five different commercial wood species were studied under choice and no choice trials both in laboratory and field conditions. Feeding preferences as a quantitative parameter of wood consumption by O. Obesus were recognized as follows: Cupressus sempervirens linn >Ficus microphylapers > Ficus banghalensis linn > Ficus relgiosa linn > phylanthus embicallium. Toxicity and LC50 value of fipronil, Imidacloprid indicate that Imidacloprid is more toxic than fipronil based on LC50 values.

Results: The wooden species used under lab no choice bioassays were follows as, Cupressus sempervirens linn, Ficus microphylapers, Ficus banghalensis, Ficus relgiosa linn and Phylanthus emblicallium. Survival rate, Weight loss and mean consumption were calculated. Mean wood mass loss (mg) in five different wood pairs when exposed in combination to Odontotermes obesus for CS/FM (Cupressus sempervirens linn and Ficus microphylapers), FM/FR (Ficus microphylapers and Ficus relgiosa lin), FR/FB (Ficus relgiosa linn and Ficus banghalensis linn), FB/PE (Ficus banghalensis linn and Phylanthus emblicallium), PE/CS (Phylanthus emblicallium and Cupressus sempervirens linn) in 2 week choice under field conditions. Maximinm consumption (mg) was recorded pair of PE/CS (Phylanthus emblicallium Vs. Cupressus sempervirens linn). Cupressus sempervirens linn was found to be the most palatable wood species whereas Phylanthus emblicallium proved the most resistant one. Minimum feeding was recorded in Ficus banghalensis linn (2.9 mg) and maximum in Cupressus sempervirens linn (9.3 mg). Whereas under no choice field conditions. Minimum feeding was recorded in Phylanthus emblicallium (4.8 mg) and maximum on Cupressus sempervirens linn (11.8 mg). Feeding preferences as a quantitative parameter of wood consumption by O. Obesus were recognized as follows: Cupressus sempervirens linn >Ficus microphylapers > Ficus banghalensis linn > Ficus relgiosa linn > phylanthus embicallium. Toxicity and LC50 value of fipronil, Imidacloprid indicate that Imidacloprid is more toxic than fipronil based on LC50 values.

Conclusions: When resistant tree species are planted in combination with those of susceptible in natural environment then the termite infestation rate could be minimised to a greater extent. Natural durability is an area of increasing attention that can help in reducing the application of industrial chemicals in the surroundings. A broader diversity of trees is needed in our urban landscapes to guard against the possibility of large-scale devastation by both native and introduced insect including pest termites. Tree diversity in forests is an important driver of ecological processes including herbivory.