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Feeding preferences of Coptotermes heimi (Isoptera: Termitidae) under laboratory and field conditions for different commercial and non-commercial woods

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  29 May 2014

Khalid Zamir Rasib  and
Hina Ashraf
Khalid Zamir Rasib*
Affiliation:
Biology Department, Forman Christian College University, Lahore54600, Pakistan
Hina Ashraf
Affiliation:
Biology Department, Forman Christian College University, Lahore54600, Pakistan
*
*E-mail: [email protected]
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Abstract

Coptotermes heimi (Wasmann) is a termite widely present throughout Pakistan and causes detrimental effects in standing trees. In this study, the feeding preferences of C. heimi for 18 different wood species were determined through choice and no-choice trials under laboratory and field conditions. In no-choice laboratory trials, different combinations of wood blocks were used to determine wood consumption by C. heimi. Weight loss, consumption/individual and survival rate were evaluated. Populus euramericana was found to be the most susceptible wood species and Syzygium cumini the most resistant one. Nine different wood combinations were used under choice laboratory conditions; maximum feeding was recorded in P. euramericana and Pinus roxburghii (50.8–24.5 mg). However, minimum feeding was recorded in S. cumini (2 mg) and Tectona grandis (14.9 mg). Under no-choice field conditions, minimum feeding was recorded in S. cumini (9.5 mg) and maximum feeding in P. euramericana (60.5 mg). Under choice field conditions, maximum (58 mg) feeding was recorded in P. euramericana and minimum feeding in S. cumini. Feeding preferences in descending order based on wood consumption as a quantitative parameter documented were as follows: P. euramericana>Ailanthus excelsa>Azadirachta indica>P. roxburghii>Butea monosperma>Morus alba>Bauhinia variegata>Albizia lebbeck>Dalbergia sissoo>Heterophragma adenophyllum>Erythrina suberosa>Cassia fistula>T. grandis>Mangifera indica>Eucalyptus camaldulensis>Jacaranda mimosifolia>Bambusa bamboo>S. cumini.

Keywords

feeding preferencesCoptotermes heimino-choice laboratory trialschoice field trialsPopulus euramericanaSyzygium cumini
Type
Research Papers
Information
International Journal of Tropical Insect Science , Volume 34 , Issue 2 , June 2014 , pp. 115 - 126
Copyright
Copyright © ICIPE 2014 

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