Identification of Termite Genera and intensity of attack on Mulberry (Morus indica and M. cathayana)

Abstract

Abstract Termite infestations on mulberry trees can affect leaf productivity and indirectly impact raw silk production in the sericulture industry. This study aims to identify genera that can damage mulberries and the intensity of attacks on M. Indica and M. cathayana . Termite samples were taken from plants that showed paths and mounds of soil at the base of the stem and branches. The attack intensity was calculated using a census of each type of mulberry for 2,018 plants in 5 observation blocks. The identification results found two families, namely Rhinotermitidae with two genera, Reticulitermes and Coptotermes, and the Termitidae family, genus Macrotermes. Trees infested by termites in M. indica reached 4.56% and M. cathayana 2.23%, with light to heavy damage categories. Meanwhile, the attack intensity of the termite’s genera was the Genus Retikulitermes, Coptotermes, and Macrotormes, respectively 53.6%, 21.4%, and 7.1%.

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