Control of Ancistrotermes guineensis Silvestri (Termitidae : Macrotermitinae), a pest of sugarcane in Chad

Within the last decade, there has been an increase in attacks on sugarcane in Chad by the fungus-growing termite Ancistrotermes guineensis Silvestri, with yield losses reaching 25%. Management of termite populations through control of the symbiotic fungus, Termitomyces medius Heim, was investigated using systemic fungicides. Following pre-screening, four products (Bavistin, Calixin, Erpacide and Sumi 8) were selected for field experiments, which evaluated a range of parameters. The mortality rate of the fungal comb reached 30% with a corresponding 20% increase in sugarcane yield.