The role of termites in tropical agriculture

Abstract

The termites that attack crops have a wide variety of life-styles ranging from small simple colonies living inside their food source, to large societies with complex highly-organised nest systems. The tendency to think of termites and their damage collectively may lead to unnecessary or ineffective control measures. Assessment of hazard-levels, and the economics of termite control must be based upon accurate identification supported by a detailed knowledge of their biology and ecology.