Biological Management of Subterranean Termites (Odontotermes obesus) Infesting Wheat and Pearl Millet Crops by Entomopathogenic Nematodes

Subterranean termites are a major problem in wheat, maize, and pearl millet crops in the northern Indo-Gangetic plains. They are devastating pests of these field crops, and their attack can result in a complete loss of crop. Termites are extremely difficult to manage, and chemical pesticides are the mainstay for the management of these insect-pests at present. To provide an eco-friendly alternative for termite management, we conducted three field trials between November, 2009 and October 2013 at the agronomy field, IARI, New Delhi and Krishi Vigyan Kendra Shikohpur, Gurgaon to evaluate the efficacy of entomopathogenic nematode based Pusa Nemagel against subterranean termites infesting wheat (Triticum aestivum) and pearl millet (Pennisetum glaucum) applied as soil application at the time of sowing. We found that a single application of Pusa Nemagel could reduce the termite incidence in wheat crop by 48–78% as compared to control. This reduction in termite incidence resulted in corresponding increase in the yield of wheat by 22.2 to 43.3%. Similarly in pearl millet, Pusa Nemagel application could reduce the number of nematode infested plants by 44% as compared to control. The results showed that Pusa Nemagel was either at par or better as compared to the insecticides in reducing the termite damage and increasing the crop yield. Therefore, Pusa Nemagel can be included in the termite management programs in these crops.