Effect of Ambient Temperature and Relative Humidity on Foraging Activity of Termite Microtermes thoracalis (Isoptera: Macrotermitinae) in Sinnar State, Sudan

Abstract

A field study was carried out at two experimental sites in Sinnar State during April- July 2014, to assess the effect of relative humidity and temperature on the foraging activities of termite species belonging to the Genus Microtermes in tree canopy and open areas. The first site was located at the eastern bank of the Blue Nile River (Elsuki locality- Hilatsaeed) while the second site was located at the western bank of the Blue Nile River (Abuhujar locality- Sairo). Randomized Complete Block Design with four replicates was used to perform this study. Treatments in each site are executed in an area of four plots 10×10 meter. Ten wood baits were placed horizontally along rows of 2 meters, giving a total of 400 baits per two treatments. The baits were then examined for termite damage at two weekly intervals and the number of attacked baits was expressed as percentage. The collected data was subjected to statistical analysis using Statistical Analysis System computer package. The results showed that there were fairly marked differences in the levels of infested wood baits laid in trees canopy compared to levels of infested wood baits laid in open-areas. The termites foraging activity in tree canopy is greater than that in open areas. It is worth mentioning that infestation of wood baits by termites increased as temperature decreased and relative humidity increased.