Studying on caste ratio, suitable foods and the depth to attract Macrotermes annandalei, Macrotermes barneyi and Microtermes pakistanicus as a basis for preventing them

Abstract

Macrotermes annandalei, Macrotermes barneyi and Microtermes pakistanicus are major insect pests at newly Acacia mangium Willd plantations in Hoa Binh and Acacia hybrid plantations in Phu Tho. The caste ratio in foraging
termites, suitable foods and termite foraging depth in-situ in first rotation forest and following rotation forest were investigated. Data suggested that major workers constitute the main part in the foraging termites of Termitidae family. The caste proportion varied greatly, depending on species and the types of forest. Worker account for approximately 80% and
solders account for 20% of the foraging termites. It is possible to attract termite individuals to the collecting trap by using suitable food, of which branches and leaves of (Dicranopteris linearis) and acacia placed in 10 - 30cm depth could be a good choice.