Distribution of termites and yield loss in potato-based cropping sequence in western Uttar Pradesh

Surveys were conducted during 2000 and 2001 in Meerut, Bagpat, Ghaziabad, Bulandsahar and Muzaffarnagar districts of western Uttar Pradesh to assess the per cent incidence and yield reduction in sugarcane, potato, pulses and wheat due to termite infestation. Maximum termite incidence (11–53%) with yield reduction (30.6%) was observed in sugarcane in Khekra in Bhagpat District. The potato, pulses and wheat were found to be more affected in Bhagpat and Bulandsahar districts because of scarcity of irrigated water, but in Meerut and Muzaffarnagar districts, there was less than 15% termites infestation and 19% yield reduction in different crops.