Acta Entomologica Sinica (1996) 39, 375-382

Yuan Zhi Li, Yanzheng Pan, Guoqing Tang and Taiying Tang (1996)
[Influence of environmental factors on the colonization of Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder]
Acta Entomologica Sinica 39 (4), 375-382
Abstract: Colonization of Reticulitermes chinensis Snyder was influenced by temperature, moisture, food, soil and room size was researched in laboratory as well as in the field. It was found that in a matrix at 20°C ~ 28°C, 50.5% ~ 69.6% moisture content, new colonies were developed from paired adults. When the temperature was higher than 30°C and the RH lower than 38.2%, few colonies were built. Soldier termites fed most at 25°C. The moisture content of termite excreta in the nest and that of timber were 54.8% and 52.3% respectively. Among the seven kinds of timber tested for building new colonies, the fastest for colonization was Robinia pseudoacacia L., next came Cinnamomum camphora (L.) Presl, and Pinus massoniana Lamb. Soil and room size also had definite influence on colonization. Based on the above, the limiting factors of termites nest building was clarified, the nest immigration and recolonization of termites depend on the environment factors, and the relerant control strategy was given.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
(original language: Chinese)

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
environment - cropping system/rotation

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Reticulitermes chinensis	Wood products	China (south)