Management of Termites Through Different Tools and Their Impact on Environment and Soil Micro-arthropods in Sugarcane in Indo-Gangetic Plains of India

Abstract

Termites, being a major subterranean insect pest of sugarcane, are generally managed through insecticidal applications, although multiple non-chemical options are available. In the present study, attempt was made to evaluate different entomopathogens, insecticides and a cultural method against termites under field condition. Four entomopathogens (Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Purpureocillium lilacinum and Bacillus subtilis), four insecticides (Chlorantraniliprole, Imidacloprid, Bifenthrin and Chlorpyrifos) and one treatment of cultural practice of weekly irrigation for 4 weeks from planting onwards along with untreated control were evaluated as treatments for the management of termites. Although insecticides were found most effective tools in managing termites in sugarcane, the entomopathogens were also found to be quite successful and surprisingly weekly irrigation failed to check the termite infestation. A significant diversity and abundance of different taxon of micro-arthropods were recorded in different treatments. Environmental impact quotient (EIQ) and EIQ-Field use rating (EIQ-FUR) of different chemical pesticides revealed a significant impact on diversity and abundance of micro-arthropods in sugarcane agro-ecosystem. In order to minimise the use of chemical insecticides, the present study indicates a possibility of integrated approach in managing termites in sugarcane agro-ecosystem.