Termite management in tropical agroforestry
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Date
2013
Authors
Nkunika, Philip Obed Yobe
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
University of Zambia Press
Abstract
This book is intended to be used as a guide to management of termites in
agroforestry and farmsteads where termites pose serious problems. Emphasis
is placed on tropical agroforestry and more specifically in Africa. However, it
is also hoped that the book will be of use in other continents where termites
pose problems. It has been written in response to the growing need to improve
understanding of termite problems and taking appropriate action based on such
knowledge. In the past, blanket recommendations for termite control have
resulted in inefficient and unsustainable use of resources and have had negative
impacts on the environment. Control practices have often been initiated on
anecdotal information rather than on sound scientific inquiry into the biology
and ecology of the local termite species and their true impact on crops or trees.
It is important to note that there is no single method that can be universally
recommended for termite control because several species may be found in an
area and each species has a unique biology and ecology. Therefore, the level of
control depends on the knowledge of the termite species, the tree or crop species,
climatic conditions and other environmental factors. Our aim is to promote a more
sustainable management of termites, i.e., an approach that ensures (1) control of
the pest species without causing ecological damage and loss of the ecosystem
services provided by termites, (2) conservation of the non-pest termite species,
and (3) utilisation of termites and associated resources without exhausting them.
This can be achieved through adequate understanding of termite biology and
application of control measures based on ecological principles.
The intended users of this manual are farmers (subsistence as well as
commercial), extension officers, researchers, pest control operators and students.
The aim is to provide basic information on termites and help people to take
more informed actions to manage termites in agroforestry.
This book is presented in six chapters. Chapter one introduces the concept of
agroforestry, agroforestry practices, different types of agroforestry, advantages
of agroforestry and introduces the subject of termite management in agroforestry.
Chapter two provides a description of the biology of termites including their social
organisation, life cycle, nesting behaviour, classification and food. Chapter three
provides a summary of the beneficial aspects of termites. Chapter four provides
a brief discussion on common pestiferous termites and the damage they cause
to crops and trees. Chapter five focuses on principles that should be followed
for sustainable management of pestiferous termites in agroforestry with less
emphasis on control and Chapter six ends with concluding remarks and prods
scholars to do further research in this much neglected, but very important area.
Description
Book
Keywords
Termite--Management--Zambia , Agroforestry--Termite--Zambia