Occurrence and infestation of termites in Makerere University training and research forest plantation in Masindi district Uganda.

Abstract

Termites are one of the major constraints on eucalyptus germplasms in Makerere University training and Research forest plantation in Masindi district. This study was aimed at evaluating the occurrence and infestation of termites among eucalyptus germplasms in the plantation. The objectives of the study were: To identify the termite species infesting the eucalyptus germplasms, to compare the incidence and severity of termite attack on eucalyptus germplasms and to determine the termite mound density within and adjacent to the plantation. The study involved sampling in four eucalyptus stands comprising (GU7, GU8 and GC550) planted in different years. A total of 1200 trees were assessed to investigate the occurrence of termite infestations in the study area. The Univariate Analysis of Variance in the General Linear Model was used to compare differences in the density of termite mounds, incidence and severity of termite damage among eucalyptus germplasms. Means in the incidence and severity of termites were compared using Least Significant difference in Post Hoc tests. Macrotermes bellicosus and a Pseudacanthothermes species were found infesting Eucalyptus germplasms in the study area but the Pseudacanthotermes species was found infesting only one tree. There were significant variations (P < 0.005) in the incidence and severity of Macrotermes bellicosus infestation as well as the density of mounds within and adjacent to the plantation. The highest incidence and severity of M. bellicosus infestation was observed on GU8 planted in 2018 and GC550 planted in 2021 had significantly lower incidence and severity of the insect pest compared to the older GC 550 planted in 2018. Macrotermes bellicosus mound density was significantly higher within the plantation than in the adjacent areas. Macrotermes bellicosus had an average of 5.0 live mounds/ha and 9.4 dead mounds/ha within the plantation and density of 3.2 live mounds/ha and 7.6 dead mounds/ha in adjacent areas. There is need for management of termite mounds in adjacent lands to the plantation because mounds in adjacent lands may serve as sources of Macrotermes species foraging in plantations.