Correlation studies between termite infestation and temperature and rainfall.
Singh S. K., Singh G.
Author Affiliation: Deptt. of Entomology, Govind Ballabh Pant University of Agriculture and Technology, Pantnagar, U. S. Nagar - 263 145, India.
Bionotes 4 :14
Abstract : The relationship of termite (Odontotermes obesus and O. wallonensis) infestation with temperature and rainfall was studied in mango orchards in Upeda (Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh), Rohenda (Bulandshahar), Khurja (Bulandshahar), New Delhi, Kiccha (Udlam Singh Nagar, Uttar Pradesh) and Patharchatta (Udlam Singh Nagar) in India. Temperature did not exhibit a consistent effect on termite infestation. In Upeda, Khurja and New Delhi, a decrease in infestation rates was observed with the increase in maximum temperature. Infestations in Rohenda, Kiccha and Patharchatta were positively correlated with maximum temperature. Negative correlations between infestation and minimum temperature were observed in Upeda, Khurja, New Delhi, Kiccha and Patharchatta, but not in Rohenda. The mean temperature was positively correlated with infestation rates at Rohenda and Patharchatta, but was negatively correlated at Upeda, Khurja, New Delhi and Kiccha. Rainfall was negatively correlated with termite infestation in all areas, with the highest correlation values observed in Rohenda.