Role of Termites on Decomposition Process in Agro-forestry Ecosystem and their Non-toxic Control Strategy

Abstract

Termites are one of the major consumers of plant materials ranging from living plant/wood tissues to dry, decayed, decomposed plant tissues mixed with soil or humus. In tropical and subtropical regiolls termite comprise relatively large components of the Agro-forestry ecosystem, only 10% of the 2,000+ known species have been recorded as pests. Keeping in view, the economic importance of termites, their role on decomposition process in Agro-forestry ecosystem, on the basis of habit and habitat, consumption of food, degradation and digestion of major food components in the gut and mechanism involved, return of nutrients to the ecosystem, recycling of plant material into the soil and impact on soil fertility etc, has been assessed. In addition to this, some direct benefits derived by man has also been discussed. In view of the immense importance of termites in the ecosystem and some direct benefits to man, it is desirable to adopt preventive control measures instead of killing indiscriminately to eradicate them. In the light of above, possibilities of some nontoxic, environmentally acceptable control strategy has also been discussed.