Feeding preferences and responses of subterranean termite on different commercial timbers

Abstract

The purpose of this study was to find the feeding preferences of Odontotermes obesus termites on different types of commercial timbers along with the evaluation of different timbers and their resistance and non- resistance behavior under lab and field conditions at 100ºC. There were six wood species which were evaluated regarding attack and damage which include Azadirachta indica (Neem), Eucalyptus globulus (Safaida), Ficus religiosa (Peeple), Mangifera indica (Aamb), Dalbergia sisso (Taali or Sheesham), Acacia arabia (Keekar). Two weeks’ laboratory and 3 months of field trials were performed with suitable conditions. The samples of every six wood species were prepared and exposed to different species of termites by burying them in the active nests of termites. This practical was performed at Wagah border 30 km away from Lahore. After this time, the factors which were to be noted were wood mass loss and visual appearance of each sample. This also includes a choice and no choice feeding test. This trial is made to evaluate the nonresistance of wood to termite attack. After trials have been made, it has been noted that the most palatable wood is M. indica, F. relgiosa and A. indica and the most resistance woods are is A. arabica, E. globulus and D. sisso in no choice trials and in choice trials the most palatable wood is M. indica and most resistance wood is D. sisso and A. arabica.