6. Termites: Odontotermes obesus (Termitidae: Isoptera)

A major problem in light soils. poor germination of setts (after planting), characteristic semi-circular feeding marks on the margin of the leaves in the standing crop. Entire shoot dries up and can be pulled out. Setts hollow inside and may be filled with soil. Cane collapses if disturbed; rind filled with mud. Adults are cream coloured tiny insects resembling ants with dark coloured head. 

Management

• Locate and destroy the termite colony
• Destroy the affected setts from the field
•   Treat setts with Imidacloprid 70 WS 100-150 g per 100 setts.
• Spray chlorantraniprole 18.5 SC 500-625 ml or imidacloprid 17.8 SL 350 ml

with 500 L water/ha.