The diversity of soil fungus in and around termite mounds of Globitermes sulphureus (haviland) (blattodea: Termitidae) and response of subterranean termite to fungi

Abstract

Many researchers are trying to develop fungus-based biological control methods against insect pests, including termites. This study explored the termite-fungus relationship using Globitermes sulphureus (Haviland) as a model species. Fungal species in termite mounds of G. sulphureus were isolated, purified, and identified. These fungal species were then introduced to termites, and their interactions were characterized. The preliminary study found 24 species of fungus from 10 locations in and around the G. sulphureus mound, with the most common being 5 species belonging to Trichoderma sp., Aspergillus spp., and Penicillium spp. We found that termites practice a symbiont relationship with the five species of soil fungi with which they were experimented.