Termites

(Coptotermes formosanus)

Credits: Biovision-Infonet

Termites, also known as white ants are common pests of upland rice in West Africa where they may cause serious damage during dry periods. They may also occur in lowland areas in light texture soils.

They generally attack plants in their later growth stage by hollowing out their root system and filling it with soil resulting in the lodging of the rice plants. The attacked plants are then predisposed to further damage by ground-dwelling pests such as rodents, ants, and secondary infection by fungi and bacteria.

Damaged plants can easily be pulled up by hand because the roots are severed.

What to do:

• Provide good growing conditions for the trees. Termites more often attack sickly or water stressed plants than healthy plants.
• Plant early with the rain.