PESTS OF WHEAT :: Major Pests :: Termites

5. Termites: Odontotermes obesus  and Microtermes obesi (Termitidae: Isoptera)

Termites damage the wheat crop soon after sowing and near maturity. The damaged plants dry up completely and are easily pulled out. The plants damaged at later stages give rise to white ears.

Management: Treat the seed @ 4 ml of chlorpyriphos 20 EC or 7ml of endosulfan 35 EC/kg of seed. (ii)If the attack is noticed in the standing crop, dilute 2.5 L of endosulfan 35 EC in 5 L of water and mix it with 50 kg of soil and broadcast evenly in one hectare, followed by light irrigation.