Termite Damage and Crop Loss Studies in Nigeria—a Survey of Damage to Groundnuts

Abstract

A survey of termite damage to groundnuts and an estimation of loss in yield was made between 1977 and 1979 in northern Nigeria. The foliage was attacked by Odontotermes. Damage was restricted to the Sudan savanna and loss in yield was less than 5%. Much more important was the damage caused by Microtermes lepidus Sjöstedt which attacked the pods, the tap root and the haulms. There was a linear relationship between the percentage of stands with the tap root invaded by Microtermes and the loss in yield. Damage varied from year to year, but the higher yield losses (up to 40%) were consistently recorded in the Sudan savanna. There was a significant relationship between the level of Microtermes damage and rainfall, the latter having a marked influence on foraging behaviour and the level of foraging activity. The chemical control of termites is economically viable on mechanised farms in the Sudan savanna, but cannot be justified on peasant farms, where yields are too low.