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Li, Ying, Zhi-Yong Dong, Dong-Zi Pan, Cun-Hong Pan, and Lai-Hua Chen. "Effects of Termites on Soil pH and Its Application for Termite Control in Zhejiang Province, China." Sociobiology 64, no. 3 (October 17, 2017): 317. http://dx.doi.org/10.13102/sociobiology.v64i3.1674.
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Soil dwelling termites dig nests in the ground that have a significant impact on the soil environment. Activities of termites can result in accumulation of organic matter and enrichment of nutrients and minerals in the soil. Samples from the nest/surrounding soils of two termite species (Odontotermes formosanus (Shiraki) and Reticulitermes flaviceps (Oshima)) and termite non-invaded soils in the seawall of the Qiantang River, Zhejiang Province, China were collected and analysed for soil pH. The results show that the observed termites prefer an acidic environment and that their activities elevate the pH of termite mound soil compared with surrounding soil. Considering the differences in the distribution areas, termite species, and properties of termite mounds and surrounding soils, this paper also examines the literature concerning the effects of termites on soil pH. After summarizing the pH of the termite survival soil environment, the feasibility of termite control by modifying the soil pH is addressed. Finally, some topics for future research are discussed.
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Garnier-Sillam, E., E. Braudeau, and D. Tessier. "R�le des termites sur le spectre poral des sols forestiers tropicaux. Cas deThoracotermes macrothorax Sj�stedt (Termitinae) et deMacrotermes m�lleri(Sj�stedt) (Macrotermitinae)." Insectes Sociaux 38, no. 4 (December 1991): 397–412. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf01241874.
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Holt, JA, LN Robertson, and BJ Radford. "Effects of tillage and stubble residue treatments on termite activity in two central Queensland vertosols." Soil Research 31, no. 3 (1993): 311. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr9930311.
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The effects of tillage and stubble residue management practices on the activity and composition of the termite fauna of some central Queensland Vertosols has been examined, using a combination of spade sampling, baiting and deep coring techniques. Uncultivated Vertisols , previously thought to be devoid of termites, are now known to support at least five species of subterranean termites. They are Amitermes obtusidens Mjoberg, A. agrilus Gay, Microcerotermes serratus (Froggatt), Heterotermes paradoxus (Froggatt) and Termes sp. Clearing and cultivation for dryland cropping virtually eliminated termites from these soils. The adoption of zero till and stubble retention practices however, resulted in the re-appearance of subterranean termites. The implications of increased termite activity in cropping soils are also discussed.
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Sarcinelli, Tathiane Santi, Carlos Ernesto Gonçalves Reynaud Schaefer, Elpídio Inácio Fernandes Filho, Reginaldo Gonçalves Mafia, and Andreza Viana Neri. "Soil modification by termites in a sandy-soil vegetation in the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest." Journal of Tropical Ecology 29, no. 5 (August 28, 2013): 439–48. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467413000497.
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Abstract:Termites play a critical role in the regulation of soil processes, for example, water retention, nutrient cycling, and the formation and maintenance of soil structure. There is a consensus that mound-building termites modify physical and chemical soil properties in clay soils, but there is limited investigation into their influence for sandy soils in the Brazilian Atlantic rain forest. We tested the hypotheses that the termitosphere effectively improves properties of sandy soil, and that the role of termite soil particle selection is of greater importance in soils with higher sand concentration and lower nutrient status. The work was conducted in three vegetation physiognomies: woodland, savanna and grassland. In the woodland physiognomy we sampled in the border and in the interior, totalling four studied areas. We described a soil profile and collected five samples of termitaria and surface soil in each area. Also, in three 100-m2 plots allotted in each area, termite-mound density and volume were estimated, and termites were collected for taxonomic identification. Soil samples were submitted to physical and chemical analysis, and regression models were employed to analyse termite particle selection ability in different soil conditions. In most areas, the concentrations of nutrients, organic carbon and clay-size particles were significantly higher in termite mounds than in surface soils. On a weight basis, termite mounds had up to 32 times more nutrients, 12 times more organic carbon, and five times more clay than surrounding soils, however, aluminium toxicity was lower in termite mounds. Regression models demonstrated that the role of termites in soil particle selection is of greater ecological importance with decreasing soil nutrient status and increasing sand concentration. Therefore, termites greatly improve soil properties, representing truly ecosystem engineers in sandy soils, with an average soil turnover by mound-building activity reaching 10.5 m3 ha−1.
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Coventry, RJ, JA Holt, and DF Sinclair. "Nutrient cycling by mound building termites in low fertility soils of semi-arid tropical Australia." Soil Research 26, no. 2 (1988): 375. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr9880375.
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The capacity of three species of mound-building termites, Amitermes vitiosus Hill, Drepanotermes perniger (Froggatt), and Tumulitermes pastinator (Froggatt), to turn over plant nutrients was quantified in a semi-arid tropical woodland near Charters Towers in north-eastern Queensland. Various chemical attributes of the red and yellow earth soils, of low inherent fertility and unmodified by recent termite activity, are compared with those of the mounds of the three termite species and with the underlying, termite-modified soils. The mounds contain 21 Mg ha-l of soil, representing only 1% of the total mass of soil in the Al soil horizon but 5-7% of the plant nutrients in this system. Nutrients in the termite mounds, temporarily withheld from plant growth, are eventually returned to the soil surface by erosion of abandoned mounds. We estimate that the termites can turnover annually 300-400 kg ha-1 of soil material with nutrient levels 2-7 times that of the Al soil horizon.
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Echezona, B. C., C. A. Igwe, and L. A. Attama. "Properties of Arboreal Ant and Ground-Termite Nests in relation to Their Nesting Sites and Location in a Tropical-Derived Savanna." Psyche: A Journal of Entomology 2012 (2012): 1–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2012/235840.
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Ecosystem engineers such as ants and termites play an important role in the fertility of tropical soils. Physicochemical analyses were thus carried out on some arboreal ant nests collected from mango (Mangifera indica), bush mango (Irvingia gabonensis), kola (Cola nitida), newbouldia plant (Newbouldia laevis), and oil bean plant (Pentaclethra macrophylla) and on ground nest of termite,Odontotermes sudanensisSjost. (Isoptera: Termitidae) in Nigeria. Arboreal nests, particularly those ofM. indica, were significantly richer in the chemical constituents sampled, compared to those of ground-termite nests or adjacent unaffected soils. Available water capacity of nests fromM. indica(60.0%) was significantly higher than those of other sites or locations sampled. While biogenic structures were sandy-loamy in texture, their corresponding adjacent soils were either sandy or sandy-loamy. Soils worked by ants and termites had greater proportions of silt-sized (17.9 versus 9.7) and clay-sized (19.2 versus 9.3) to the detriment of coarse-sized particles (51.2 versus 60.9) and fine-sand-sized particles (11.7 versus 20.1) relative to the adjacent soils. Generally, biogenic structures were about 348% richer in P than their corresponding adjacent soils; an attribute, which holds a strong promise in bioremediation and biofortification of soils especially during amendment.
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Cunha, Hélida Ferreira da, and Pedro Paulo Aquino Moura Morais. "Relação Espécie-Área em Cupinzeiros de Pastagem, Goiânia-GO, Brasil." EntomoBrasilis 3, no. 3 (November 15, 2010): 60–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.12741/ebrasilis.v3i3.102.
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O desmatamento no Cerrado para a formação de pastagens e criação de rebanhos bovinos tem prejudicado a diversidade e a conservação das espécies de cupins. A presença de cupinzeiros em pastagens está associada a solos degradados, mas a maioria das espécies atua como consumidores primários e decompositores, auxiliando na ciclagem de nutrientes, aeração e formação do solo. Se os cupinzeiros correspondem a “ilhas” inseridas na matriz da pastagem, então, diferentes tamanhos de cupinzeiros podem agrupar diferentes números de espécies. O objetivo desse trabalho foi estimar a relação espécie-área em cupinzeiros epígeos de uma pastagem em uma área periférica do município de Goiânia-GO. O estudo foi executado em um hectare da pastagem, todos os cupinzeiros foram contados e mensurados (circunferência da base) para calcular a área da base (m²). Outras espécies habitantes do ninho foram amostradas em 10% dos cupinzeiros. A maioria dos cupinzeiros era de Cornitermes snyderi Emerson, que abrigava outras espécies de cupins inquilinos e de termitófilos. Nos cupinzeiros maiores e mais antigos da pastagem há uma tendência em encontrar um maior número de espécies de cupins e de termitófilos, em uma relação de cerca de cinco espécies para quase 3m² (S= 5,13*A2,8). Embora visualmente as pastagens estejam repletas de cupinzeiros, a maioria das espécies que habitam os cupinzeiros colabora com a decomposição de matéria seca e reciclagem de nutrientes para a pastagem. Por isso, a presença de cupinzeiros na paisagem contribui para a preservação de diferentes espécies do bioma.
Specie-Area Relationship of Termite Nests of the Pasture, Goiânia-GO, Brazil
Abstract. Deforestation in the Cerrado for pastures and livestock raising cattle has damaged the diversity and conservation of the termite species. The presence of termite nests in pastures is associated with degraded soils, but most species acts as primary consumers and decomposers, assisting in the cycling of nutrients, aeration and soil formation. If termites are “islands” inserted in the matrix of pasture, so, different sized termite nests can group different numbers of species. The aim of this study was to estimate the species-area relationship in termite nests of the pasture in a peripheral area of the municipality of Goiânia-GO. The study was performed on one hectare of pasture, all termite nests were counted and measured (circumference of the base) to calculate the base area (m²). Other species inhabiting the termite nests were sampled in 10% of the nests of the pasture. Most of the nests were of Cornitermes snyderi Emerson, which sheltered other inquiline termite species and termitophiles. In oldest and largest termite mounds of the pasture there is a tendency to find a superior number of species of inquiline termites and termitophiles, at a ratio of about five species for almost 3m² (S= 5.13*A2, 8). Although visually the pastures are full of termite nests, the majority of species inhabiting the nest collaborates with the decomposition of dry matter and recycling nutrients to the pasture. Therefore, the presence of termites in the landscape contributes to the preservation of various species of the biome.
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Jones, Julia Allen. "Termites, soil fertility and carbon cycling in dry tropical Africa: a hypothesis." Journal of Tropical Ecology 6, no. 3 (August 1990): 291–305. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467400004533.
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ABSTRACTTermites, particularly the mound building, fungus growing Macrotermitinae, reach densities of up to 400 termites m−2in soils of dry tropical Africa. The influence of Macrotermi tinae in increasing certain soil nutrients in mounds compared to adjacent soils has been documented, but the links between litter harvesting by termites, soil fertility, and global C cycling have not been explored. This study reviews the evidence from soil science, ecology and atmos pheric chemistry and generates hypotheses to explain the role of termites in dry tropical eco systems. It is suggested that termite activity exhaustively partitions litterfall among adjacent com peting colonies, where it is so thoroughly decomposed that little or no organic C is incorporated into the soils. Associated N, P, and cations build up in the mounds, but C apparently is emitted as CO2and CH4from the mounds. While not adequate to calculate nutrient fluxes through termites, the data available support the argument that termites contribute significantly to atmospheric fluxes of CO2and CH4. Moreover, they suggest a coupling of regional soil forming processes and the global C budget.
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Tokuda, Gaku, and Hirofumi Watanabe. "Hidden cellulases in termites: revision of an old hypothesis." Biology Letters 3, no. 3 (March 20, 2007): 336–39. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rsbl.2007.0073.
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The intestinal flagellates of termites produce cellulases that contribute to cellulose digestion of their host termites. However, 75% of all termite species do not harbour the cellulolytic flagellates; the endogenous cellulase secreted from the midgut tissue has been considered a sole source of cellulases in these termites. Using the xylophagous flagellate-free termites Nasutitermes takasagoensis and Nasutitermes walkeri , we successfully solubilized cellulases present in the hindgut pellets. Zymograms showed that the hindguts of these termites possessed several cellulases and contained up to 59% cellulase activity against crystalline cellulose when compared with the midgut. Antibiotic treatment administered to N. takasagoensis significantly reduced cellulase activity in the hindgut, suggesting that these cellulases were produced by symbiotic bacteria.
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Fall, Saliou, Jérôme Hamelin, Farma Ndiaye, Komi Assigbetse, Michel Aragno, Jean Luc Chotte, and Alain Brauman. "Differences between Bacterial Communities in the Gut of a Soil-Feeding Termite (Cubitermes niokoloensis) and Its Mounds." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 73, no. 16 (June 15, 2007): 5199–208. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/aem.02616-06.
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ABSTRACT In tropical ecosystems, termite mound soils constitute an important soil compartment covering around 10% of African soils. Previous studies have shown (S. Fall, S. Nazaret, J. L. Chotte, and A. Brauman, Microb. Ecol. 28:191-199, 2004) that the bacterial genetic structure of the mounds of soil-feeding termites (Cubitermes niokoloensis) is different from that of their surrounding soil. The aim of this study was to characterize the specificity of bacterial communities within mounds with respect to the digestive and soil origins of the mound. We have compared the bacterial community structures of a termite mound, termite gut sections, and surrounding soil using PCR-denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) analysis and cloning and sequencing of PCR-amplified 16S rRNA gene fragments. DGGE analysis revealed a drastic difference between the genetic structures of the bacterial communities of the termite gut and the mound. Analysis of 266 clones, including 54 from excised bands, revealed a high level of diversity in each biota investigated. The soil-feeding termite mound was dominated by the Actinobacteria phylum, whereas the Firmicutes and Proteobacteria phyla dominate the gut sections of termites and the surrounding soil, respectively. Phylogenetic analyses revealed a distinct clustering of Actinobacteria phylotypes between the mound and the surrounding soil. The Actinobacteria clones of the termite mound were diverse, distributed among 10 distinct families, and like those in the termite gut environment lightly dominated by the Nocardioidaceae family. Our findings confirmed that the soil-feeding termite mound (C. niokoloensis) represents a specific bacterial habitat in the tropics.
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Enagbonma, Ben Jesuorsemwen, Adenike Eunice Amoo, and Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. "Biopedturbation by Termites Affects Respiration Profiles of Microbial Communities from Termite Mound Soils." Journal of Soil Science and Plant Nutrition 21, no. 3 (May 12, 2021): 2115–23. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/s42729-021-00507-y.
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Abe, Susumu S., Sadahiro Yamamoto, and Toshiyuki Wakatsuki. "Soil-particle selection by the mound-building termite Macrotermes bellicosus on a sandy loam soil catena in a Nigerian tropical savanna." Journal of Tropical Ecology 25, no. 4 (July 2009): 449–52. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467409006142.
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Many species of termite (Isoptera) build their nests inside mounds because a mound has direct and positive feedback effects on the termite colonies through the maintenance of humidity and protection of the population from enemies, e.g. ants (Jouquet et al. 2006, Korb 2003, Noirot & Darlington 2000). Soil manipulation by termites (Isoptera) for mound construction is of particular interest for many researchers in terms of pedogenesis of the tropics (Lavelle et al. 1992, Lobry de Bruyn & Conacher 1990). The termites select soil particles according to ecological requirements such as water availability (Jouquet et al. 2002, 2007) and improve soil structural stability by means of application of clay particles and saliva/excreta (Fall et al. 2001, Jouquet et al. 2004). The nest-building activity of the termites inevitably causes regional translocation of soils (Bagine 1984, Holt & Lepage 2000) and distinctive patches in local ecosystems, which contributes to ecological diversity (Lavelle et al. 1992). This is the reason why termites are regarded as an ecological engineer (Jouquet et al. 2006). Soil-particle selection by the termites, however, has not been fully explored in relation to diverse ecologies and landscapes in Africa.
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Echezona, B. C., and C. A. Igwe. "Stabilities of ant nests and their adjacent soils." International Agrophysics 26, no. 4 (October 29, 2012): 355–63. http://dx.doi.org/10.2478/v10247-012-0050-6.
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Abstract Nests habour ants and termites and protect them from harsh environmental conditions. The structural stabilities of nests were studied to ascertain their relative vulnerability to environmental stresses. Arboreal-ant nests were pried from different trees, while epigeous-termite nests were excavated from soil surface within the sample area. Soils without any visible sign of ant or termite activity were also sampled 6 m away from the nests as control. Laboratory analysis result showed that irrespective of the tree hosts, the aggregate stabilities of the ant nests were lower than those of the ground termite, with nests formed on Cola nitida significantly showing lower aggregate stability (19.7%) than other antnest structures. Clay dispersion ratio, moisture content, water stable aggregate class <0.25mm and sand mass were each negatively correlated with aggregate stability, while water stable aggregate class1.00-0.50 mm gave a positive correlation. Nest structures were dominated more by water stable aggregate class >2.00 mm but path analysis demonstrated that water stable aggregate class <0.25 mm contributed most to the higher aggregate stability of the termite nest than the other nest. Nest aggregates had greater structural stability compared to the control soil. The higher structural stability of termite nests over other nest and soil was considered a better adaptive mechanism against body desiccation.
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Enagbonma, Ben, and Olubukola Babalola. "Environmental Sustainability: A Review of Termite Mound Soil Material and Its Bacteria." Sustainability 11, no. 14 (July 15, 2019): 3847. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/su11143847.
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The high quantity of nutrients accumulated in termite mound soils have placed termite mound as a ‘gold mine’ for bacteria concentrations. However, over the years, not much attention has been given to the bacteria present in termite mound soil. This is because many studies have focused on approaches to manage termites which they see as menace to agricultural crops and buildings. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the potential application of termite mound soil material and its bacteria for biotechnological purposes. This review has been grouped into four key parts: The termite mound as hotspot for bacterial concentration, the degradation of lignocellulose for biofuel production, termite mound soil as a soil amendment, and the role of termite mound soil and its bacteria in bioremediation and bio-filtration. Therefore, the effective usage of the termite mound soil material and its bacteria in an ecofriendly manner could ensure environmental sustainability.
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Inoue, Tetsushi, Yoko Takematsu, Akinori Yamada, Yuichi Hongoh, Toru Johjima, Shigeharu Moriya, Yupaporn Sornnuwat, Charunee Vongkaluang, Moriya Ohkuma, and Toshiaki Kudo. "Diversity and abundance of termites along an altitudinal gradient in Khao Kitchagoot National Park, Thailand." Journal of Tropical Ecology 22, no. 5 (July 27, 2006): 609–12. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467406003403.
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Termites are dominant invertebrates in tropical soils (Wood & Sands 1978) and are important mediators of decomposition in terrestrial ecosystems (Abe & Matsumoto 1979, Lawton et al. 1996, Lee & Wood 1971, Matsumoto & Abe 1979, Wood & Sands 1978, Yamada et al. 2005). Furthermore, these processes, such as carbon mineralization and nitrogen fixation, are dependent on the species assemblage structure of the termite community (Lawton et al. 1996, Yamada et al. 2005, 2006). Feeding habits of termites reflect their metabolic processes. The three major isopteran groups – wood-feeders, fungus-growers (fungus-growing wood/litter feeders), soil-feeders – appear to play very different roles in the decomposition process (Tayasu et al. 1997, Wood 1976, Wood & Sands 1978, Yamada et al. 2005). Consequently, the relative abundance of each feeding group provides useful information on the function of the termite assemblage in an ecosystem.
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De Oliveira-Filho, Ary Teixeira. "Floodplain ‘murundus’ of Central Brazil: evidence for the termite-origin hypothesis." Journal of Tropical Ecology 8, no. 01 (February 1992): 1–19. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467400006027.
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ABSTRACT‘Campos de murundus’ are a typical landscape of Central Brazil characterized by countless rounded earthmounds (the ‘murundus’), which are covered by woody ‘cerrado’ (savanna) vegetation and are found scattered over a grass-covered surface (the ‘campo’). A detailed study was carried out in the region of Cuiabá, state of Mato Grosso on a particular campo de murundus (area of 5.065 ha) lying in a sedimentary depression where the earthmounds are true islands during the annual floods, allowing the colonization both by cerrado plants and by termites. The mounds were mapped and measured for their size and shape. Mounds' diameters ranged from 0.2 to 22.0 m and heights ranged from 0.1 to 1.1m. The 445 smaller mounds (< 0.8 m diameter) were found to have a clumped distribution, occupying 0.1% of the area. They are actually small termite nests built byArmitermes euamignathus. The 80 larger mounds (> 0.8 m diameter) were uniformly distributed, occupying 6.3%, of the area. These mounds are colonized byCornitermes snyderiandCornitermes bequaertiwhich build big termite nests on the summit of the mounds. Soil analyses indicated a close similarity between the campo and the surrounding cerrado whose soils had coarser texture and were poor in nutrients. Soils of the earthmounds and termite nests showed finer texture, lower pH and higher amounts of mineral nutrients. It is suggested here that this particular type of campo de murundus is formed mainly from the localized activity of nest-building by termites, followed by nest degradation, during many generations of termite colonies.
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Holt, JA, KL Bristow, and JG Mcivor. "The effects of grazing pressure on soil animals and hydraulic properties of two soils in semi-arid tropical Queensland." Soil Research 34, no. 1 (1996): 69. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr9960069.
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A grazing experiment was used to examine the effects of high grazing pressure on soil Acari populations, and on termite populations and activity, at two sites in semi-arid north Queensland. Changes in soil hydraulic properties were also examined. Our investigations have shown that Acari populations were significantly lower in the heavily grazed treatments at one of the sites. Termite species diversity and activity were significantly lower in the heavily grazed treatments than in the lightly grazed treatments at both sites. The surface soils also had significantly lower steady-state how rates and hydraulic conductivities in the heavily grazed treatments than in the lightly grazed treatments. The deterioration in soil hydraulic properties in the heavily grazed treatments appears to be associated with both increased trampling by cattle and decreased termite activity in the top 25 mm of soil. The surface and near surface galleries constructed by detritiverous termites therefore have an important function in water movement in these semi-arid soils.
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Cox, George W., and Christopher G. Gakahu. "Mima mound microtopography and vegetation pattern in Kenyan savannas." Journal of Tropical Ecology 1, no. 1 (February 1985): 23–36. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467400000055.
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ABSTRACTEarth mounds are important determinants of vegetation pattern in savannas, acting as foci for establishment of woody plants. In the Kenya highlands, mounds formerly attributed to termites have recently been found to be Mima mounds produced by rhizomyid mole rats. We investigated Mima mounds on black cotton soils near Kenyatta International Airport and on brown clay soils between Nairobi and Thika. At Kenyatta Airport, mounds had loamier, more granular soils than intermounds, and contained small rocks that mole rats can move. At the site between Nairobi and Thika, mound soils were more friable, higher in pH, and lower in carbon than intermound soils. Data from this and other studies indicate that Mima mound soils are more favourable for plant growth than those of true termite mounds. Mound vegetation exhibited lower coverage of grasses and greater coverage by forbs, shrubs, and bare ground, a pattern indicative of intense grazing and soil disturbance. Acacias, absent from most mounds, were abundant in the zone bordering the mound. This pattern may reflect the favourability of mound soils, combined with the effects of high grazing pressure. Future studies of savanna vegetation should distinguish between termite mounds and Mima mounds.
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Donovan, S. E., K. J. Purdy, M. D. Kane, and P. Eggleton. "Comparison of Euryarchaea Strains in the Guts and Food-Soil of the Soil-Feeding Termite Cubitermes fungifaber across Different Soil Types." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 70, no. 7 (July 2004): 3884–92. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/aem.70.7.3884-3892.2004.
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ABSTRACT Termites are an important component of tropical soil communities and have a significant effect on the structure and nutrient content of soil. Digestion in termites is related to gut structure, gut physicochemical conditions, and gut symbiotic microbiota. Here we describe the use of 16S rRNA gene sequencing and terminal-restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP) analysis to examine methanogenic archaea (MA) in the guts and food-soil of the soil-feeder Cubitermes fungifaber Sjostedt across a range of soil types. If these MA are strictly vertically inherited, then the MA in guts should be the same in all individuals even if the soils differ across sites. In contrast, gut MA should reflect what is present in soil if populations are merely a reflection of what is ingested as the insects forage. We show clear differences between the euryarchaeal communities in termite guts and in food-soils from five different sites. Analysis of 16S rRNA gene clones indicated little overlap between the gut and soil communities. Gut clones were related to a termite-derived Methanomicrobiales cluster, to Methanobrevibacter and, surprisingly, to the haloalkaliphile Natronococcus. Soil clones clustered with Methanosarcina, Methanomicrococcus, or rice cluster I. T-RFLP analysis indicated that the archaeal communities in the soil samples differed from site to site, whereas those in termite guts were similar between sites. There was some overlap between the gut and soil communities, but these may represent transient populations in either guts or soil. Our data do not support the hypothesis that termite gut MA are derived from their food-soil but also do not support a purely vertical transmission of gut microflora.
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Boonriam, Warin, Pongthep Suwanwaree, Sasitorn Hasin, Phuvasa Chanonmuang, Taksin Archawakom, and Akinori Yamada. "Effect of Fungus-Growing Termite on Soil CO2 Emission at Termitaria Scale in Dry Evergreen Forest, Thailand." Environment and Natural Resources Journal 19, no. 6 (September 10, 2021): 1–11. http://dx.doi.org/10.32526/ennrj/19/202100048.
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Termites are one of the major contributors to high spatial variability in soil respiration. Although epigeal termite mounds are considered as a point of high CO2 effluxes, the patterns of mound CO2 effluxes are different, especially the mound of fungus-growing termites in a tropical forest. This study quantified the effects of a fungus-growing termite (Macrotermes carbonarius) associated with soil CO2 emission by considering their nesting pattern in dry evergreen forest, Thailand. A total of six mounds of M. carbonarius were measured for CO2 efflux rates on their mounds and surrounding soils in dry and wet seasons. Also, measurement points were investigated for the active underground passages at the top 10% of among efflux rates. The mean rate of CO2 emission from termitaria of M. carbonarius was 7.66 µmol CO2/m2/s, consisting of 2.94 and 9.11 µmol CO2/m2/s from their above mound and underground passages (the rate reached up to 50.00 µmol CO2/m2/s), respectively. While the CO2 emission rate from the surrounding soil alone was 6.86 µmol CO2/m2/s. The results showed that the termitaria of M. carbonarius contributed 8.4% to soil respiration at the termitaria scale. The study suggests that fungus-growing termites cause a local and strong variation in soil respiration through underground passages radiating out from the mounds in dry evergreen forest.
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Chiri, Eleonora, Philipp A. Nauer, Rachael Lappan, Thanavit Jirapanjawat, David W. Waite, Kim M. Handley, Philip Hugenholtz, Perran L. M. Cook, Stefan K. Arndt, and Chris Greening. "Termite gas emissions select for hydrogenotrophic microbial communities in termite mounds." Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences 118, no. 30 (July 20, 2021): e2102625118. http://dx.doi.org/10.1073/pnas.2102625118.
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Organoheterotrophs are the dominant bacteria in most soils worldwide. While many of these bacteria can subsist on atmospheric hydrogen (H2), levels of this gas are generally insufficient to sustain hydrogenotrophic growth. In contrast, bacteria residing within soil-derived termite mounds are exposed to high fluxes of H2 due to fermentative production within termite guts. Here, we show through community, metagenomic, and biogeochemical profiling that termite emissions select for a community dominated by diverse hydrogenotrophic Actinobacteriota and Dormibacterota. Based on metagenomic short reads and derived genomes, uptake hydrogenase and chemosynthetic RuBisCO genes were significantly enriched in mounds compared to surrounding soils. In situ and ex situ measurements confirmed that high- and low-affinity H2-oxidizing bacteria were highly active in the mounds, such that they efficiently consumed all termite-derived H2 emissions and served as net sinks of atmospheric H2. Concordant findings were observed across the mounds of three different Australian termite species, with termite activity strongly predicting H2 oxidation rates (R2 = 0.82). Cell-specific power calculations confirmed the potential for hydrogenotrophic growth in the mounds with most termite activity. In contrast, while methane is produced at similar rates to H2 by termites, mounds contained few methanotrophs and were net sources of methane. Altogether, these findings provide further evidence of a highly responsive terrestrial sink for H2 but not methane and suggest H2 availability shapes composition and activity of microbial communities. They also reveal a unique arthropod–bacteria interaction dependent on H2 transfer between host-associated and free-living microbial communities.
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Eggleton, P., R. Homathevi, D. T. Jones, J. A. MacDonald, D. Jeeva, D. E. Bignell, R. G. Davies, and M. Maryati. "Termite assemblages, forest disturbance and greenhouse gas fluxes in Sabah, East Malaysia." Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society of London. Series B: Biological Sciences 354, no. 1391 (November 29, 1999): 1791–802. http://dx.doi.org/10.1098/rstb.1999.0521.
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A synthesis is presented of sampling work conducted under a UK government–funded Darwin Initiative grant undertaken predominantly within the Danum Valley Conservation Area (DVCA), Sabah, East Malaysia. The project concerned the assemblage structure, gas physiology and landscape gas fluxes of termites in pristine and two ages of secondary, dipterocarp forest. The DVCA termite fauna is typical of the Sunda region, dominated by Termes –group soil–feeders and Nasutitermitinae. Selective logging appears to have relatively little effect on termite assemblages, although soil–feeding termites may be moderately affected by this level of disturbance. Species composition changes, but to a small extent when considered against the background level of compositional differences within the Sunda region. Physiologically the assemblage is very like others that have been studied, although there are some species that do not fit on the expected body size–metabolic rate curve. As elsewhere, soil–feeders and soil–wood interface–feeders tend to produce more methane. As with the termite assemblage characteristics, gross gas and energy fluxes do not differ significantly between logged and unlogged sites. Although gross methane fluxes are high, all the soils at DVCA were methane sinks, suggesting that methane oxidation by methanotrophic bacteria was a more important process than methane production by gut archaea. This implies that methane production by termites in South–East Asia is not contributing significantly to the observed increase in levels of methane production worldwide. Biomass density, species richness, clade complement and energy flow were much lower at DVCA than at a directly comparable site in southern Cameroon. This is probably due to the different biogeographical histories of the areas.
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Cheik, Sougueh, Rashmi Ramesh Shanbhag, Ajay Harit, Nicolas Bottinelli, Raman Sukumar, and Pascal Jouquet. "Linking Termite Feeding Preferences and Soil Physical Functioning in Southern-Indian Woodlands." Insects 10, no. 1 (January 4, 2019): 4. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/insects10010004.
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Termites are undoubtedly amongst the most important soil macroinvertebrate decomposers in semi-arid environments in India. However, in this specific type of environment, the influence of termite foraging activity on soil functioning remains unexplored. Therefore, this study examines the link between the quality of litter and the functional impact of termite feeding preferences on soil properties and soil hydraulic conductivity in a deciduous forest in southern India. Different organic resources (elephant dung: “ED”, elephant grass: “EG”, acacia leaves: “AL” and layers of cardboard: “CB”) were applied on repacked soil cores. ED appeared to be the most attractive resource to Odontotermes obesus, leading to a larger amount of soil sheeting (i.e., the soil used by termites for covering the litter they consume), more numerous and larger holes in the ground and a lower soil bulk density. As a consequence, ED increased the soil hydraulic conductivity (4-fold) compared with the control soil. Thus, this study highlights that the more O. obesus prefers a substrate, the more this species impacts soil dynamics and water infiltration in the soil. This study also shows that ED can be used as an efficient substrate for accelerating the infiltration of water in southern-Indian soils, mainly through the production of galleries that are open on the soil surface, offering new perspectives on termite management in this environment.
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Jones, David T. "Termite assemblages in two distinct montane forest types at 1000 m elevation in the Maliau Basin, Sabah." Journal of Tropical Ecology 16, no. 2 (March 2000): 271–86. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467400001401.
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Termites were surveyed at an altitude of 1000 m in Maliau Basin, Sabah (Borneo), in two primary forest habitats: lower montane forest and stunted facies of upper montane forest. Soil, wood, litter, termite nests, and arboreal microhabitats up to a height of 2 m above ground were sampled using a belt transect protocol. Two transects were run in each forest type. The upper montane forest transects collected 11 and 13 species, compared with 15 and 19 in the lower montane forest transects. With the addition of species records from casual sampling (conducted with roughly equal effort in each forest type), totals of 18 species were found in the upper montane forest, and 34 species in the lower montane forest. Similar species richness and relative abundance of wood-feeding termites were found in both forest types. However, the lower montane forest had greater richness and relative abundance of species that feed on soil and extremely decayed soil-like wood. This difference is attributed mainly to (i) the well developed, organic-rich soils of the lower montane forest being more suitable for soil-dwelling and mound-building termites compared with the upper montane forest which has sandy soils with a thick covering of peat, and (ii) the low-stature and open canopy of the upper montane forest creates microclimatic conditions which are adverse for soil-feeding termites compared with the high, closed canopy in the lower montane forest. As expected, comparisons with similar studies in lowland forests in Southeast Asia confirmed that the upland forests are relatively depauperate.
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Tasaki, Eisuke, Kazuya Kobayashi, Kenji Matsuura, and Yoshihito Iuchi. "Long-Lived Termite Queens Exhibit High Cu/Zn-Superoxide Dismutase Activity." Oxidative Medicine and Cellular Longevity 2018 (2018): 1–8. http://dx.doi.org/10.1155/2018/5127251.
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In most organisms, superoxide dismutases (SODs) are among the most effective antioxidant enzymes that regulate the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generated by oxidative energy metabolism. ROS are considered main proximate causes of aging. However, it remains unclear if SOD activities are associated with organismal longevity. The queens of eusocial insects, such as termites, ants, and honeybees, exhibit extraordinary longevity in comparison with the nonreproductive castes, such as workers. Therefore, the queens are promising candidates to study the underlying mechanisms of aging. Here, we found that queens have higher Cu/Zn-SOD activity than nonreproductive individuals of the termite Reticulitermes speratus. We identified three Cu/Zn-SOD sequences and one Mn-SOD sequence by RNA sequencing in R. speratus. Although the queens showed higher Cu/Zn-SOD activity than the nonreproductive individuals, there were no differences in their expression levels of the Cu/Zn-SOD genes RsSOD1 and RsSOD3A. Copper (Cu2+ and Cu+) is an essential cofactor for Cu/Zn-SOD enzyme activity, and the queens had higher concentrations of copper than the workers. These results suggest that the high Cu/Zn-SOD activity of termite queens is related to their high levels of the cofactor rather than gene expression. This study highlights that Cu/Zn-SOD activity contributes to extraordinary longevity in termites.
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Dröge, Stefan, Jürgen Fröhlich, Renate Radek, and Helmut König. "Spirochaeta coccoides sp. nov., a Novel Coccoid Spirochete from the Hindgut of the Termite Neotermes castaneus." Applied and Environmental Microbiology 72, no. 1 (January 2006): 392–97. http://dx.doi.org/10.1128/aem.72.1.392-397.2006.
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ABSTRACT A novel spirochete strain, SPN1, was isolated from the hindgut contents of the termite Neotermes castaneus. The highest similarities (about 90%) of the strain SPN1 16S rRNA gene sequence are with spirochetes belonging to the genus Spirochaeta, and thus, the isolate could not be assigned to the so-called termite clusters of the treponemes or to a known species of the genus Spirochaeta. Therefore, it represents a novel species, which was named Spirochaeta coccoides. In contrast to all other known validly described spirochete species, strain SPN1 shows a coccoid morphology and is immotile. The isolated strain is obligately anaerobic and ferments different mono-, di-, and oligosaccharides by forming formate, acetate, and ethanol as the main fermentation end products. Furthermore, strain SPN1 is able to grow anaerobically with yeast extract as the sole carbon and energy source. The fastest growth was obtained at 30°C, the temperature at which the termites were also grown. The cells possess different enzymatic activities that are involved in the degradation of lignocellulose in the termite hindgut, such as β-d-glucosidase, α-l-arabinosidase, and β-d-xylosidase. Therefore, they may play an important role in the digestion of breakdown products from cellulose and hemicellulose in the termite gut.
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Acioli, Agno Nonato Serrão. "Frequência, diversidade e composição da fauna de cupins (Blattodea: Isoptera) em diferentes sistemas de uso do solo no sudoeste do Amazonas, Brasil." EntomoBrasilis 11, no. 2 (August 31, 2018): 78–84. http://dx.doi.org/10.12741/ebrasilis.v11i2.729.
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Resumo. Os cupins são importantes decompositores da matéria de origem vegetal. Este estudo teve como objetivo analisar e comparar a diversidade e composição das espécies de cupins em três diferentes sistemas de uso do solo na região do Alto Solimões, Amazonas, Brasil. Os cupins foram coletados na floresta primária, em cultivos de dendê (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) e mandioca (Manihot sculenta Crantz). Em cada área selecionada as coletas foram realizadas dentro de um transecto retangular medindo 100 m x 2 m, subdivididos em 20 parcelas de 5 m x 2 m. Foram encontradas 24 espécies de cupins, pertencentes a 14 gêneros e duas famílias, nos três sistemas de uso do solo. As espécies mais frequentes foram Nasutitermes cf. dendrophilus (Desneux) (28,43%), seguida de Heterotermes tenuis (Hagen) (14,37%) e Anoplotermes sp. 2 (9,58%). A riqueza de espécies foi maior na floresta primária (16 espécies), seguida dos cultivos de dendê (14 espécies) e mandioca (seis espécies). A composição taxonômica e os grupos funcionais também sofreram modificações, sendo mais diversificados e equilibrados na floresta primária quando comparados com os dois tipos de cultivos. A comunidade de cupins é fortemente afetada quando ocorre a substituição da floresta primária pelos cultivos agrícolas. Neste estudo, as espécies N. cf. dendrophilus e H. tenuis merecem atenção, pois se constata o aumento de sua frequência nos cultivos de dendê e mandioca.Frequency, Diversity and Composition of Termite Fauna (Blattodea: Isoptera) in Land Use Systems in the Southwest of Amazonas, Brazil Abstract. Termites are important decomposers of matter of vegetable origin. This study aims to analyze and compare the diversity and composition of termite species in three different land use systems in Alto Solimões, Amazonas, Brazil. Termites were collected in the primary forest, oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) and cassava (Manihot sculenta Crantz) crops. In each area the collections were made within a rectangular transect measuring 100 m x 2 m, subdivided into 20 plots of 5 m x 2 m. Twenty four species of termites were found, belonging to 14 genera and two families. The most frequent species were Nasutitermes cf. dendrophilus (Desneux) (28.43%), Heterotermes tenuis (Hagen) (14.37%) and Anoplotermes sp. 2 (9.58%). The species richness was higher in the primary forest (16 species), followed by oil palm (14 species) and cassava (six species) crops. The taxonomic composition and the functional groups were also modified, being more diversified and balanced in the primary forest than in the crops. The termite community was strongly affected when the primary forest was replaced by agricultural crops. The species N. cf. dendrophilus and H. tenuis deserve attention, it was verified the increase of their frequency in the crops.
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Abe, Omoloye E., and Adeyemi E. Adetoro. "Effects of Termite Activities on Permeability Characteristics of Lateritic Soils in Ado-Ekiti, South Western, Nigeria." International Journal of Trend in Scientific Research and Development Volume-2, Issue-5 (August 31, 2018): 711–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.31142/ijtsrd15735.
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Ahmed II, Jamilu Bala, Biswajeet Pradhan, Shattri Mansor, Zainuddin M. Yusoff, and Salamatu Abraham Ekpo. "Aquifer Potential Assessment in Termites Manifested Locales Using Geo-Electrical and Surface Hydraulic Measurement Parameters." Sensors 19, no. 9 (May 7, 2019): 2107. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/s19092107.
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In some parts of tropical Africa, termite mound locations are traditionally used to site groundwater structures mainly in the form of hand-dug wells with high success rates. However, the scientific rationale behind the use of mounds as prospective sites for locating groundwater structures has not been thoroughly investigated. In this paper, locations and structural features of termite mounds were mapped with the aim of determining the aquifer potential beneath termite mounds and comparing the same with adjacent areas, 10 m away. Soil and species sampling, field surveys and laboratory analyses to obtain data on physical, hydraulic and geo-electrical parameters from termite mounds and adjacent control areas followed. The physical and hydraulic measurements demonstrated relatively higher infiltration rates and lower soil water content on mound soils compared with the surrounding areas. To assess the aquifer potential, vertical electrical soundings were conducted on 28 termite mounds sites and adjacent control areas. Three (3) important parameters were assessed to compute potential weights for each Vertical Electrical Sounding (VES) point: Depth to bedrock, aquifer layer resistivity and fresh/fractured bedrock resistivity. These weights were then compared between those of termite mound sites and those from control areas. The result revealed that about 43% of mound sites have greater aquifer potential compared to the surrounding areas, whereas 28.5% of mounds have equal and lower potentials compared with the surrounding areas. The study concludes that termite mounds locations are suitable spots for groundwater prospecting owing to the deeper regolith layer beneath them which suggests that termites either have the ability to locate places with a deeper weathering horizon or are themselves agents of biological weathering. Further studies to check how representative our study area is of other areas with similar termite activities are recommended.
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Wakung’oli, Monde, Adenike Eunice Amoo, Ben Jesuorsemwen Enagbonma, and Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. "Termite Societies Promote the Taxonomic and Functional Diversity of Archaeal Communities in Mound Soils." Biology 9, no. 6 (June 25, 2020): 136. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/biology9060136.
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Recent studies involving microbial communities in termite mounds have been more focused on bacteria and fungi with little attention given to archaea, which play significant roles in nutrient cycling. Thus, we aimed at characterizing the archaeal taxonomic and functional diversity in two termite mound soils using the shotgun sequencing method with the assumption that termite activities could promote archaeal diversity. Our findings showed that termite mound soils have archaeal groups that are taxonomically different from their surrounding soils, with Euryarchaeota, Korarchaeota, and Nanoarchaeota being predominant while Thaumarchaeota and Crenarchaeota were predominant in the surrounding soils. Additionally, the observed nutrient pathways: phosphorus, nitrogen, and sulfur were all significantly more predominant in termite mound soils than in their comparative surrounding soils. Alpha diversity showed that archaea were not significantly different within termite mound soils and the surrounding soils. The beta diversity revealed significant differences in the archaeal taxonomic composition and their functional categories between the termite mounds and surrounding soils. Our canonical correspondence analysis revealed that the distribution of archaeal communities was likely dependent on the soil properties. Our results suggested that termite activities may promote the diversity of archaea; with some of our sequences grouped as unclassified archaea, there is a need for further research to unveil their identity.
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Jouquet, P., L. Mamou, M. Lepage, and B. Velde. "Effect of termites on clay minerals in tropical soils: fungus-growing termites as weathering agents." European Journal of Soil Science 53, no. 4 (December 2002): 521–28. http://dx.doi.org/10.1046/j.1365-2389.2002.00492.x.
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Schaefer, Carlos E. R. "Brazilian latosols and their B horizon microstructure as long-term biotic constructs." Soil Research 39, no. 5 (2001): 909. http://dx.doi.org/10.1071/sr00093.
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This paper discusses micropedological evidence for the biological formation of microstructure in tropical soils, placing emphasis on latosol (oxisol) formation promoted by termite activity. The microstructure of selected latosols from Brazil was investigated using standard chemical and physical methods, optical microscopy, and high resolution scanning electron microscopy coupled with energy-dispersive X-ray analysis to provide microchemical analysis of discrete microaggregates in thin section. The results showed that, in spite of great variability of parent materials, the B horizon of these soils displayed uniform microgranular structure, with little lithodependence and no apparent relationship to particle-size. Lithorelicts of oval pellets of 100–1000 mm diameter, similar to those in the B horizon, were observed in the upper parts of the C horizon (saprolite). In addition, microparticles of charcoal (<50 m) were found in the inner microaggregates. The basic skeleton of the inner microaggregates was formed of quartz grains, generally smaller than 100 mm diameter. In contrast, the quartz grains of the soil skeleton ranged between 30 and 5000 mm. These microaggregates were not distinguishable from those built by termites on shallowsaprolite. I present a general model of latosol genesis, which considers the close interdependence between the advent of angiosperm-dominated landscapes, neotectonics, and the synchronous appearance of termites and latosols on tropical land, dating back to late Cretaceous/early Tertiary times. The microaggregation of latosols is viewed as a long-term strategy favouring physical characteristics to counteract the irreversible trend of increasing nutrient losses. The degree of microaggregation appears related to high gibbsite and Fe-oxide concentrations, although these minerals are not responsible for microaggregate formation. However, it is postulated that gibbsite and Fe-oxides are associated only with the persistence of microaggregates in tropical soils. Because of a tendency to form face-to-face structures, kaolinite does not favour the microaggregation phenomenon, and hence, highly kaolinitic latosols display coalesced aggregates.
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Enagbonma, Ben Jesuorsemwen, Bukola Rhoda Aremu, and Olubukola Oluranti Babalola. "Profiling the Functional Diversity of Termite Mound Soil Bacteria as Revealed by Shotgun Sequencing." Genes 10, no. 9 (August 23, 2019): 637. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/genes10090637.
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Profiling the metabolic processes performed by bacteria is vital both for understanding and for manipulating ecosystems for industrial or research purposes. In this study we aim to assess the bacterial functional diversity in termite mound soils with the assumption that significant differences will be observed in the functional diversity of bacteria between the termite mound soils and their surrounding soils and that each environment has a distinguishing metabolic profile. Here, metagenomic DNA extracted from termite mound soils and their corresponding surrounding soils, which are 10 m apart, were sequenced using a shotgun sequencing approach. Our results revealed that the relative abundances of 16 functional categories differed significantly between both habitats. The α diversity analysis indicated no significant difference in bacterial functional categories within the habitats while the β diversity showed that the bacterial functional categories varied significantly between the termite mound soils and the surrounding soil samples. The variations in soil physical and chemical properties existing between the two environments were held accountable for the differences in bacterial functional structure. With the high relative abundance of functional categories with unknown function reported in this study, this could signify the likelihood of getting novel genes from termite mound soils, which are needed for research and commercial applications.
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Jones, David T., Homathevi Rahman, David E. Bignell, and Anggoro H. Prasetyo. "Forests on ultramafic-derived soils in Borneo have very depauperate termite assemblages." Journal of Tropical Ecology 26, no. 1 (December 8, 2009): 103–14. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467409990356.
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Abstract:Previous studies in Sundaland (Borneo, Sumatra, Java and Peninsular Malaysia) have shown that termite assemblages in natural forests have a characteristic structure. These typical forest assemblages contain many soil-feeding species. However, this study investigated four natural forest sites in Borneo with depauperate termite assemblages, and compared their soils with soils from four other sites that have typical termite assemblages. In contrast to the typical assemblages, the four depauperate assemblages all have low species density (<35%), low relative abundance (<30%), a virtual absence of soil-feeders, significantly fewer wood-feeders, and a near-absence of species of Rhinotermitidae, Amitermes-group, Termes-group, Pericapritermes-group and Oriensubulitermes-group. The depauperate sites are on ultramafic-derived soils and have significantly higher concentrations of calcium, magnesium, nickel, chromium, cobalt, copper and zinc compared with the non-ultramafic soils at sites with typical assemblages. In addition, soil pH at the depauperate sites is significantly higher (>pH 5.4) compared with soils at the typical sites (which are all below pH 4.7). Possible mechanisms to explain the depauperate termite assemblages on ultramafic soils include metal toxicity, high pH disrupting gut physiology, and microbial interactions with metals.
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Mando, A., and T. Van Rheenen. "Termites and agricultural production in the Sahel: from enemy to friend?" Netherlands Journal of Agricultural Science 46, no. 1 (May 1, 1998): 77–85. http://dx.doi.org/10.18174/njas.v46i1.498.
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Termites are an important component of agroecosystems, particularly in developing countries where they are an alternative to high priced inputs. Given the major problems in the Sahel of soil crusting and nutrient depletion, this paper shows that termites associated with proper management techniques can play a vital role. Termites contribute to the rehabilitation of crusted soils, i.e. by opening up voids on the sealed surface leading to improved infiltration capacity, and consequently improved water availability. It is recommended, however, that participatory on-farm research should be carried out on how to increase the contribution of termites towards soil management and to reduce the harmful effects.
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Kim, Young Hee, Boa Lim, Jeung Min Lee, Jin Young Hong, Soo Ji Kim, and Ji Hee Park. "Bacterial Diversity in Soil Surround Subterranean Termites-Damaged Wooden Buildings in Seonamsa Temple and Effect of the Termites on Bacterial Diversity in Humus Soil." Journal of Conservation Science 37, no. 4 (August 31, 2021): 357–61. http://dx.doi.org/10.12654/jcs.2021.37.4.04.
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In order to determine the changes in microbial community due to termites, soil microorganisms surrounding the termites were investigated. First, bacterial communities from soil with termites collected at Seonamsa temple, Suncheon city, Korea were compared by next-generation sequencing (NGS, Illumina Miseq). The bacterial composition of soil from Daeungjeon without termites and the soil from Josadang, Palsangjeon, and Samjeon with termites were compared. Next, the bacterial composition of these soils was also compared with that of humus soil cultured with termites. A total high-quality sequences of 71,942 and 72,429 reads were identified in Seonamsa temple’s soil and humus soil, respectively. The dominant phyla in the collected Seonamsa temple’s soil were Proteobacteria (27%), Firmicutes (24%) and Actinobacteria (21%), whereas those in the humus soil were Bacteriodetes (56%) and Proteobacteria (37%). Using a two-dimensional plot to explain the principal coordinate analysis of operational taxonomic unit compositions of the soil samples, it was confirmed that the samples were divided into soil with and without termites, and it was especially confirmed that the Proteobacteria phylum was increased in humus soil with termites than in humus soil without termites.
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Mahaney, William C., Jessica Zippin, Michael W. Milner, Kandiah Sanmugadas, R. G. V. Hancock, Susan Aufreiter, Sean Campbell, et al. "Chemistry, mineralogy and microbiology of termite mound soil eaten by the chimpanzees of the Mahale Mountains, Western Tanzania." Journal of Tropical Ecology 15, no. 5 (September 1999): 565–88. http://dx.doi.org/10.1017/s0266467499001029.
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Subsamples of termite mound soil used by chimpanzees for geophagy, and topsoil never ingested by them, from the forest floor in the Mahale Mountains National Park, Tanzania, were analysed to determine the possible stimulus or stimuli for geophagy. The ingested samples have a dominant clay texture equivalent to a claystone, whereas the control samples are predominantly sandy clay loam or sandy loam, which indicates that particle size plays a significant role in soil selection for this behaviour. One potential function of the clays is to bind and adsorb toxins. Although both termite mound and control samples have similar alkaloid-binding capacities, they are in every case very high, with the majority of the samples being above 80%. The clay size material (<2 μm) contains metahalloysite and halloysite, the latter a hydrated aluminosilicate (Al2Si2O4·nH2O), present in the majority of both the termite mound soil and control soil samples.Metahalloysite, one of the principal ingredients found in the pharmaceutical Kaopectate™, is used to treat minor gastric ailments in humans. The soils commonly ingested could also function as antacids, as over half had pH values between 7.2 and 8.6. The mean concentrations of the majority of elements measured were greater in the termite mound soils than in the control soils. The termite mound soils had more filamentous bacteria, whereas the control soils contained greater numbers of unicellular bacteria and fungi.
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Moffat, Ricardo, and R. Jonathan Fannin. "A hydromechanical relation governing internal stability of cohesionless soil." Canadian Geotechnical Journal 48, no. 3 (March 2011): 413–24. http://dx.doi.org/10.1139/t10-070.
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Results are presented from permeameter tests involving unidirectional seepage flow through reconstituted specimens of four widely graded cohesionless soils. The onset of instability is defined by a significant decrease in local hydraulic gradient over a relatively short period of time. The novel concept of a hydromechanical path in stress ([Formula: see text]) – gradient (ijk) space is proposed, which describes the response to seepage flow during testing and terminates at the value of critical hydraulic gradient. The path terminus establishes a hydromechanical boundary governing the onset of seepage-induced internal instability in one-dimensional flow. The boundary represents a failure envelope, which is different for each of the four soils tested. A ranking of seepage-induced instability for each soil, from most unstable to least unstable, is found similar, but not identical to, the susceptibility to internal instability determined from empirical analysis of the gradation shape.
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Ramashia, S. E., T. Tangulani, M. E. Mashau, and N. Nethathe. "Microbiological quality of different dried insects sold at Thohoyandou open market, South Africa." Food Research 4, no. 6 (August 23, 2020): 2247–55. http://dx.doi.org/10.26656/fr.2017.4(6).233.
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Edible insects have long been consumed as part of the diet of many Asian, African and South American cultures. The study sought to determine the microbial quality of dried insects (mopane worms, termites and stink bugs) sold around Thohoyandou markets, South Africa. For the study, 45 samples of dried mopane worms, termites and stink bugs were purchased from street vendors. About fifteen samples for each dried set of insects were randomly purchased and subjected to microbial analyses such as coliforms, Escherichia coli, Salmonella spp., Staphylococcus aureus, total plate count, yeasts and moulds count. The results revealed that street vendors were not following good standards of food safety and hygiene. They need training and awareness on how to handle the food products sold at the open market. During the study, we found that the mopane worms had the highest coliforms count of 1.9964±0.02 log10 CFU/g. Termites had the highest E. coli, S. aureus and total plate count of 1.9907±0.05, 2.2562±0.02 and 6.3564±1.10 log10 CFU/ g. Termites and stink bugs had the highest amount of Salmonella spp. (1.9827±0.03 log10 CFU/g). Stink bugs had the highest yeast and mould count ranging from 1.9804±0.14 to 1.9491±0.56 log10 CFU/g as compared to other insects. The outcome of this study will be used to teach vendors about good food safety and hygiene measures. The study results are also useful in determining whether these edible insects sold at the market are microbiologically safe for human consumption.
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Asawalam, D. O., and S. Johnson. "Physical and Chemical Characteristics of Soils Modified by Earthworms and Termites." Communications in Soil Science and Plant Analysis 38, no. 3-4 (February 2007): 513–21. http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/00103620601174569.
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Herranz, Gonzalo. "Dimensioni culturali e tematiche dei movimenti pro-eutanasia: la situazione fuori dai Paesi Bassi." Medicina e Morale 50, no. 4 (August 31, 2001): 707–27. http://dx.doi.org/10.4081/mem.2001.731.
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Sorge all’interno del dibattito teologico, da parte di chi maggiormente ha sentito l’influsso del cosiddetto (ma solo cosiddetto…) “cattolicesimo liberale” e soprattutto nell’ambito medico, in cui la linea di pensiero liberista e utilitarista ha un ampio spazio, la riflessione sulla “libertà del morire”. A nostro parere siamo di fronte ad un’inopportuna e falsificata accezione del termine libertà, che viene ad essere invocata per costruire e fondare un altrettanto falso “diritto a morire”. Si tratta di una concezione di libertà non autenticamente tale: il “diritto a morire” secondo noi non può esistere, perché si tratterebbe di una contraddizione in terminis, che va a minacciare il diritto ben più accertato e riconosciuto che è quello “a vivere”: esiste se mai un diritto a vivere qualitativamente bene, e non solo dal punto di vista biologico, ma soprattutto antropologico, anche l’atto supremo della vita umana naturale che è appunto il morire, inteso a tutti gli effetti come atto della vita. Anche la volontà del paziente (living-will) non è il termine ultimo della sua libertà, la quale ha da confrontarsi con altre volontà, come del resto accade in tutte le azioni umane.
Saranno poi necessarie delle specificazioni, caso per caso, o per gruppo di casi, atte ad evitare le possibili forme di accanimento terapeutico, laddove si sostituisca un “vitalismo biologico”, il più delle volte artificiale e attuato con mezzi sproporzionati, alla vita propriamente intesa.
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Jouquet, Pascal, Laurent Caner, Nicolas Bottinelli, Ekta Chaudhary, Sougueh Cheik, and Jean Riotte. "Where do South-Indian termite mound soils come from?" Applied Soil Ecology 117-118 (September 2017): 190–95. http://dx.doi.org/10.1016/j.apsoil.2017.05.010.
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Pinheiro, Liane Barreto Alves, Rodrigo Camara, Marcos Gervasio Pereira, Eduardo Lima, Maria Elizabeth Fernandes Correia, Cristiane Miranda Martins, Everaldo Zonta, and Carlos Eduardo Gabriel Menezes. "Effect of termite activity on soil under different land management strategies." Semina: Ciências Agrárias 38, no. 1 (March 2, 2017): 143. http://dx.doi.org/10.5433/1679-0359.2017v38n1p143.
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Mound-building termites are important agents of soil bioperturbation, but these species have not been extensively studied thus far. The present study aimed to evaluate the soil particle-size and the chemical attributes of termite mounds and the surrounding soil under different land use strategies. A one-hectare plot was defined for an unmanaged degraded pasture, planted pasture, and for a eucalyptus Corymbia citriodora plantation. In each plot, the top, center, and base sections of five Cornitermes cumulans mounds, and the surrounding soil at the depths of 0-5; 5-10; 10-20 cm, were sampled in the Pinheiral, Rio de Janeiro state. In the three areas, the center of the mounds contained higher clay content, organic carbon, phosphorous, calcium and magnesium, total bases, and cation exchangeable capacity, when compared to the top, base, and the surrounding soils. However, the center had lower values of exchangeable acidity and potassium, of the three areas. In the eucalyptus plantation, the values of pH, total bases, calcium, and magnesium were lower, whereas aluminum, exchangeable acidity, sodium, and cation exchange capacity were higher both in the mounds and in the surrounding soil, in relation to the pastures. There were no differences among the three areas in terms of organic carbon, potassium, phosphorous, and total bases, in the mounds and adjacent soil. Thus, the termite activity altered the clay content and most of the soil chemical properties in all of the studied areas, but only for the center of the mounds. However, the effect of these organisms was different in the eucalyptus plantation in relation to the pasture areas.
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Lavens, Delphine, Peter Ulrichts, Dominiek Catteeuw, Kris Gevaert, Joël Vandekerckhove, Frank Peelman, Sven Eyckerman, and Jan Tavernier. "The C-terminus of CIS defines its interaction pattern." Biochemical Journal 401, no. 1 (December 11, 2006): 257–67. http://dx.doi.org/10.1042/bj20060242.
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Proteins of the SOCS (suppressors of cytokine signalling) family are characterized by a conserved modular structure with pre-SH2 (Src homology 2), SH2 and SOCS-box domains. Several members, including CIS (cytokine-inducible SH2 protein), SOCS1 and SOCS3, are induced rapidly upon cytokine receptor activation and function in a negative-feedback loop, attenuating signalling at the receptor level. We used a recently developed mammalian two-hybrid system [MAPPIT (mammalian protein–protein interaction trap)] to analyse SOCS protein-interaction patterns in intact cells, allowing direct comparison with biological function. We find that, besides the SH2 domain, the C-terminal part of the CIS SOCS-box is required for functional interaction with the cytokine receptor motifs examined, but not with the N-terminal death domain of the TLR (Toll-like receptor) adaptor MyD88. Mutagenesis revealed that one single tyrosine residue at position 253 is a critical binding determinant. In contrast, substrate binding by the highly related SOCS2 protein, and also by SOCS1 and SOCS3, does not require their SOCS-box.
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Lawton, J. H., D. E. Bignell, G. F. Bloemers, P. Eggleton, and M. E. Hodda. "Carbon flux and diversity of nematodes and termites in Cameroon forest soils." Biodiversity and Conservation 5, no. 2 (February 1996): 261–73. http://dx.doi.org/10.1007/bf00055835.
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Chiri, Eleonora, Chris Greening, Rachael Lappan, David W. Waite, Thanavit Jirapanjawat, Xiyang Dong, Stefan K. Arndt, and Philipp A. Nauer. "Termite mounds contain soil-derived methanotroph communities kinetically adapted to elevated methane concentrations." ISME Journal 14, no. 11 (July 24, 2020): 2715–31. http://dx.doi.org/10.1038/s41396-020-0722-3.
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Abstract Termite mounds have recently been confirmed to mitigate approximately half of termite methane (CH4) emissions, but the aerobic CH4 oxidising bacteria (methanotrophs) responsible for this consumption have not been resolved. Here, we describe the abundance, composition and CH4 oxidation kinetics of the methanotroph communities in the mounds of three distinct termite species sampled from Northern Australia. Results from three independent methods employed show that methanotrophs are rare members of microbial communities in termite mounds, with a comparable abundance but distinct composition to those of adjoining soil samples. Across all mounds, the most abundant and prevalent methane monooxygenase sequences were affiliated with upland soil cluster α (USCα), with sequences homologous to Methylocystis and tropical upland soil cluster (TUSC) also detected. The reconstruction of a metagenome-assembled genome of a mound USCα representative highlighted the metabolic capabilities of this group of methanotrophs. The apparent Michaelis–Menten kinetics of CH4 oxidation in mounds were estimated from in situ reaction rates. Methane affinities of the communities were in the low micromolar range, which is one to two orders of magnitude higher than those of upland soils, but significantly lower than those measured in soils with a large CH4 source such as landfill cover soils. The rate constant of CH4 oxidation, as well as the porosity of the mound material, were significantly positively correlated with the abundance of methanotroph communities of termite mounds. We conclude that termite-derived CH4 emissions have selected for distinct methanotroph communities that are kinetically adapted to elevated CH4 concentrations. However, factors other than substrate concentration appear to limit methanotroph abundance and hence these bacteria only partially mitigate termite-derived CH4 emissions. Our results also highlight the predominant role of USCα in an environment with elevated CH4 concentrations and suggest a higher functional diversity within this group than previously recognised.
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Chisanga, Kafula, Ernest R. Mbega, and Patrick A. Ndakidemi. "Prospects of Using Termite Mound Soil Organic Amendment for Enhancing Soil Nutrition in Southern Africa." Plants 9, no. 5 (May 20, 2020): 649. http://dx.doi.org/10.3390/plants9050649.
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Termite mound soils are reportedly utilized as an alternative to NPK fertilizers by cashconstrained smallholder farmers in some parts of Southern Africa. However, there is limitedknowledge regarding their mineral nutritional value. The intention of this work was therefore toinvestigate the macro and micronutrient composition of different sections of the termite mounds;top, base and neighboring areas. The study approach involved physical and chemical analysis of 36sites across Pemba and Choma districts in Southern Zambia through collection of soil samples intriplicate at 0–20 cm depth, using a soil auger. Findings revealed that the soil pH had elevatedlevels in the base segments of the termite mounds compared with the top and the neighbouringsoils. However, elevated N, P and K levels were recorded in the top sections with significantdifferences (P < 0.05) in clay and silt composition observed. Additionally, metallic micronutrients,Cu and Zn were also found to be elevated in termite mounds in contrast to surrounding soils. Weconcluded that top termite mound soil should be considered as part of an integrated nutrientmanagement strategy by financially challenged smallholder farmers cultivating in light texturedsoils of southern Africa.
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Tamesse, J. L., S. Kekeunou, L. J. Tchatchouang, O. L. M. Ndegue, L. M. Aissatou, D. Tombouck, and B. Youssa. "Insects as food, traditional medicine and cultural rites in the west and south regions of Cameroon." Journal of Insects as Food and Feed 2, no. 3 (June 15, 2016): 153–60. http://dx.doi.org/10.3920/jiff2015.0088.
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In Cameroon, non-timber forest products of animal origin, poorly exploited by the population can be an importantsource of food. We carried out a study on the importance of edible insects in five divisions: Koung-khi, High-Plateaus, Menoua (West Region), Mvila, Dja and Lobo (South Region). We conducted individual semi-structured surveys on489 persons, from December 2014 to March 2015. Participants were aged between 8-91 years. Results showed that, nine groups of insects are eaten in the two regions: beetles (89.57%), termites (70.76%), grasshoppers and locusts (49.90%), crickets (44.17%), katydids (42.94%), caterpillars (31.80%), bees (8.38%), variegated grasshopper (8.18%) and ants (6.54%). These insects are mainly consumed: (1) in sauce (caterpillars); (2) fried (crickets, termites, beetles, grasshoppers and locusts, variegated grasshopper and ants); (3) raw (bees); or (4) roasted (crickets). The majority of people (72.49%.) consume insects mostly for their good taste and then for medicinal properties. The intervieweementioned that insects and their products could be used to improve expression in children aged between 2 to 3 yearsand to treat vomiting in infants, rheumatism, chickenpox, spleen inflammation, the large navel, lumbago, mumps, cramps, weak bones. Apart from ants and bees, most edible insects are sold in local markets. Termites (42.94%), grasshoppers and locusts (36.20%), and beetles (34.36%) were the most commercialised. In local markets, they are mostly sold in cups, bottles, glasses or heaps. Ants and bees are sold directly by the traditional healers. Most of theseinsects are harvested throughout the year, except variegated grasshoppers that appears to be seasonal.
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Kpangba, Thierry Placide Médard Kingo, Joseph Mpika, Alaric Makoundou, Mercier Alain Bita, and Attibayéba Attibayéba. "Effet de la terre des termitières sur la croissance de trois cultivars de la morelle noire (Solanum nigrum L. : Solanaceae) cultivée à Brazzaville (Congo)." International Journal of Biological and Chemical Sciences 14, no. 1 (April 3, 2020): 192–203. http://dx.doi.org/10.4314/ijbcs.v14i1.16.
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La productivité de la morelle noire est faible sur les sols surexploités dans les zones périurbaines de Brazzaville. L’objectif était d’évaluer l’apport de la terre des termitières sur la croissance végétale de trois cultivars de la morelle noire. Les termitières collectées ont été broyées, tamisées et amendées les planches de 3 m x 1,2 m. Une planche ayant reçu 0 kg, 2 kg, 4 kg et 6 kg de terre des termitières, 60 plants d’un cultivar ont été repiqués aux écartements 20 x 20 cm selon un schéma bi factoriel complet 4 x 3 logé dans un dispositif en bloc complètement randomisé. Les traitements ont été répétés trois fois. Les résultats ont révélé une meilleure croissance en hauteur et en diamètre ainsi qu’un meilleur développement foliaire des plants amendés avec les doses de la terre des termitières en comparaison de ceux n’en ayant pas reçu. L’apport de 6 kg de terre des termitières montre une influence positive sur le développement racinaire de plants des trois cultivars. L’apport 2 kg, 4 kg et 6 kg de terre de termitières améliore la croissance végétative et le rendement en biomasses aérienne et souterraine de trois cultivars de morelle noire cultivés au Congo.
© 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.
Mots clés: Congo, fertilisation, termitières champignons, croissance végétative, Solanum nigrum L.
English Title: Effect of the termite mounds on the vegetative production of three cultivars of black nightshade (Solanum nigrum L.: Solanaceae) grown in Brazzaville, Congo
English Abstract
The productivity of black nightshade is low on the overexploited soils in the suburban areas of Brazzaville. The objective was to evaluate the contribution of termite mound on the plant growth of three black nightshade cultivars. The termite mounds were collected, crushed, sieved and amended the planks of 3m x 1.2m. A board having received 0 kg, 2 kg, 4 kg and 6 kg of termite mounds, 60 plants of a cultivar were transplanted at 20 x 20 cm intervals according to a complete 4 x 3 bi-factorial diagram housed in a block plan completely randomized. The treatments were repeated three times. The results showed better growth in height and diameter, as well as better foliar development of seedlings amended with termite mounds compared to those that did not. The contribution of 6 kg of termite mound had a positive influence on the root development of the three cultivars. The contribution of 2 kg, 4 kg and 6 kg of termite mound improved vegetative growth and yield in aboveground and belowground biomass of three black nightshade cultivars grown in Congo.
© 2020 International Formulae Group. All rights reserved.
Keywords: Congo, cultivar, fertility, Termite fungi, vegetative production, Solanum nigrum L.
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Junqueira, Luciane Kern, Edmilson Ricardo Gonçalves, and Lucas Manuel Cabral Teixeira. "Termite Communities in Sugarcane Plantations in Southeastern Brazil: an Ecological Approach." EntomoBrasilis 8, no. 2 (August 23, 2015): 105–16. http://dx.doi.org/10.12741/ebrasilis.v8i2.502.
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Termites are key components of soil fauna, playing an essential role in organic matter decomposition and nutrient cycling. However, they can cause significant economic losses in commercial plantations, such as sugar cane. Therefore, the correct identification of termite species is critical for pest control. Here, we evaluated the species richness, abundance and functional groups of termites in sugarcane plantations in 53 cities throughout the state of São Paulo, southeastern Brazil. We also analyzed the influence of macroclimatic variables on termite species distribution and functional groups. We found 22 taxa of two families, of which the most frequent species were Termitidae (96.51%). Within this family, Apicotermitinae had the highest frequency of occurrence (37.12%), followed by Termitinae (30.57%), Syntermitinae (27.95%), and Nasutitermitinae (0.8 %). The other family, Rhinotermitidae, had the lowest frequency (3.5%), being represented only by Heterotermes sulcatus Mathews. We classified Neocapritermes opacus Hagen (29.26%), Apicotermitinae sp.2 (24.89%), Cornitermes cumulans Kollar (13.10%), and Apicotermitinae sp.1 (6.99%) as common taxa. The remaining 18 species were classified as rare. The most common functional group was humus-feeders (37%), followed by wood-feeders (34%), grass-litter feeders (25%), and intermediate feeders (4%). Climate influenced the distribution of common species, humus-feeders and grass-litter feeders. Regarding the pest status of termites in sugar cane plantations, we suggest that the exasperated use of pesticide in the last decades has reduced the abundance of species considered pests (e.g. Heterotermes) and reinforce the importance of ecological approaches for determining the best pest control methods.Comunidades de Cupins em Cultivos de Cana-de-Açúcar no Estado de São Paulo: Uma Abordagem EcológicaResumo. Os cupins são importantes componentes da fauna de solo, atuando na decomposição da matéria orgânica e ciclagem de nutrientes. Porém, em cultivos de cana-de-açúcar, podem provocar perdas econômicas significativas. A correta identificação das espécies de cupins é um ponto crítico para o controle daquelas que adquiriram e/ou que podem atingir o status de praga. Este trabalho objetivou identificar a riqueza, a abundância e os grupos funcionais destes insetos em canaviais de 53 municípios do estado de São Paulo. Paralelamente, avaliou se as variáveis macroclimáticas influenciam a distribuição das comunidades de cupins e dos grupos funcionais. A riqueza obtida foi de 22 táxons. Da família Termitidae (96,51%), a maior frequência de ocorrência foi da subfamília Apicotermitinae (37,12%), seguindo-se Termitinae (30,57%), Syntermitinae (27,95%) e Nasutitermitinae (0,8%). A família Rhinotermitidae (3,5%) esteve representada apenas por Heterotermes sulcatus Mathews. Quatro táxons foram considerados comuns em canaviais, Neocapritermes opacus Hagen (29,26%), Apicotermitinae sp.2 (24,89%), Cornitermes cumulans Kollar (13,10%) e Apicotermitinae sp.1 (6,99%) e os 18 restantes foram classificados como raros. O grupo funcional mais frequente foi o dos humívoros (37%), seguido por xilófagos (34%), comedores de serrapilheira (25%) e intermediários (4%). O clima influenciou a distribuição das espécies comuns, bem como dos grupos funcionais dos humívoros e dos comedores de serrapilheira. Sugere-se que o uso intensivo de pesticidas nas últimas décadas reduziu a abundância de espécies até então consideradas praga em cana-de-açúcar (ex. Heterotermes), o que reforça a importância dos estudos ecológicos para a definição de métodos de controle mais adequados.