Termites (Isoptera) are invertebrates that play many ecological functions in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in tropical areas. Despite the beneficial impact on agriculture, some termites are caused the important damages to crops and plantations in agrosystems. Knowledge of pest species is a prerequisite for undertaking an adequate fight against these insects. A study was carried out to evaluate the incidence of termite attack on cocoa trees of the station S.A.B. (Société Agricole du Bandama) in the south of Côte d'Ivoire. Termites were searched on the cacao trees and the rate of their attack was calculated. The results show that a total of 9 species from 5 genera of termites were identified. Termite attacks on cocoa trees were mainly due to the group of Fungusgrowers and wood-feeders. These termites were responsible for 52.66% of attacks on cocoa trees. The Ancistrotermes and Pseudacanthotermes, genus of fungus-growers group, with respectively54% and 23% attack rates, constitute the most aggressive genera for cocoa trees. However, the attack intensity index was low (16.95%). The major damages were mainly caused by the genera Pseudacanthotermes and Coptotermes.
Termites play an important role in the aeration and fertilization of soils where they abound. However, cultural practices influence their ecology. This study, which took place in Azaguié in the south of Côte d'Ivoire, aimed to know the diversity of termites that colonize cocoa plantations in comparison with the natural area. Three age classes of plantations have been defined: PC1 (from 0 to 5 years), PC2 (6 to 10 years old) and PC3 (over 30 years old). In each class of plantations, three transects 100 m long each, subdivided into 20 sections of 10 m2 (10 m x 2 m) have been demarcated. Three (3) monoliths were also dug by transect in order to know the density of hypogeal termites. Old plantations were more diversified with 18 species compared to plots PC1 (14 species) and PC2 (16 species). The natural area recorded the highest specific richness with 21 species sampled. The relative abundance of fungal termites in transects showed a high adaptability of these insects (18 occurrences in plots PC1 to 26 occurrences in natural area). With hypogeal termites, 16 species have been collected in all habitat types. The Jaccard Similarity Index showed large differences between species of hypogenous termites according to habitat types. No significant difference was observed between termite densities in selected plots. However, the distribution of termites in the depth of the soil was unevenly distributed and the surface layer of 0 - 10 cm concentrated the majority of termites. Cocoa production influences termite diversity and density, but the cessation of agricultural activities results in the recomposition of termite biodiversity.
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