Termite 2
Namibian crop pests  #  105

unknown Order:  Family: 

This is mainly a photo page about termites from Mahenene Research Station, Omusati region. 
Photos are from March, 2001 (an unusually late season).

We call this species No.105 Termite 2 until it has been identified. It makes small mounds directly around the plant itself, on for instance Pearl millet seedlings.

Another termite species is shown under No. 100 "Harvester termite"  The termite makes 5-10 cm mounds or just emerges from a hole on flat ground. 
 


Termite mound on Pearl millet plant
 

Termite mound on Pearl millet

The mound was brushed off see the damage

This Pearl millet plant was completely destroyed

 

Common names: 

No vernacular names were recorded but termites are so common that they do have vernacular names. 

Pest status:

This termite is sometimes a severe pest in young cereal crops.

Distribution:

Widespread and common

Description:

In pearl millet crops, the termites build a small mound around the stem of seedlings. The stems are damaged by chewing and the entire plant may eventually die off, leaving only the termite mound.

Control:

No control is recommended at present

Other notes:



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