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Review
. 2021 Feb;28(1):2-20.
doi: 10.1111/1744-7917.12726. Epub 2019 Oct 15.

Termites and Chinese agricultural system: applications and advances in integrated termite management and chemical control

Farhan Ahmad  1   2 , Hatem Fouad  1   3 , Shi-You Liang  1 , Yin Hu  4 , Jian-Chu Mo  1
Affiliations
Review

Termites and Chinese agricultural system: applications and advances in integrated termite management and chemical control

Farhan Ahmad et al. Insect Sci. 2021 Feb.

Abstract

Termites are eusocial arthropod decomposers, and improve soil fertility, crop yield, and also are used by humans for their benefits across the world. However, some species of termites are becoming a threat to the farming community as they are directly and indirectly causing major losses to the agricultural system. It is estimated that termites cost the global economy more than 40 billion USD annually, and considerable research has been done on their management. In this review, we present the available information related to sustainable and integrated termite management practices (ITM). Furthermore, we insist that the better management of this menace can be possible through: (i) improving traditional methods to keep termites away from crops; (ii) improving agricultural practices to maintain plants with more vigor and less susceptible to termite attack; and (iii) integration of available techniques to reduce termite infestation in crops and surroundings. The application of an effective combination of traditional practices with recently developed approaches is the best option for agricultural growers. Moreover, keeping in mind the beneficial nature of this pest, more innovative efforts for its management, particularly using rapidly emerging technology (e.g., RNA interference), are needed.

Keywords: entomopathogens; geographical distribution; integrated termite management; termite.

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Figures

Fig. 1
Fig. 1
Diagrammatic representation of termite classification in China. (Digits/digits) represent the genera/species and (digits) illustrate the species (Zhong & Li, 2004; Mo et al., 2008; Li et al., 2010; Lin et al., 2015).
Fig. 2
Fig. 2
Percentage of termite species numbers of the ten dominant genera in China.
Fig. 3
Fig. 3
Termite infestation and distribution in China [GS(2019)3200]. Provinces, municipalities and islands are abbreviated as follows: Extreme infestation (GD, Guangdong; GX, Guangxi; HaN, Hainan; FJ, Fujian; ZJ, Zhejiang; SH, Shanghai; Ma, Macau; HK, Hong Kong; TW, Taiwan; XI, Xisha Islands; NI, Nansha Islands). High infestation (HB, Hubei; HN, Hunan; JX, Jiangxi; AH, Anhui; JS, Jiangsu; CQ, Chongqing; SC, Sichuan; YN, Yunnan). Moderate infestation (GZ, Guizhou; ShX, Shaanxi; HeN, Henan; SD, Shandong; LN, Liaoning; some parts of TI, Tibet; some parts of GS, Gansu). Low infestation (BJ, Beijing; TJ, Tianjin; SX, Shanxi; HeB, Hebei; JL, Jilin). No infestation (XJ, Xinjiang; QH, Qinghai; NX, Ningxia; IM, Inner Mongolia; HLJ, Heilongjiang; TI, Tibet; GS, Gansu). Data from Zhong and Li (2004); Mo et al. (2008).
Fig. 4
Fig. 4
Diagrammatic representation of integrated termite management (ITM) elements.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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