Glyptotermes dilatatus

Systematic position: Glyptotermes dilatatus belongs to the order Isoptera and the family Kalotermitidae. Known as a drywood termite, this species does not require contact with the soil to survive. It is recognized as one of the most destructive pests affecting tea plantations, specifically causing significant economic losses in the tea-growing regions of Sri Lanka.

Affected crops: The primary host of this pest is the tea bush (Camellia sinensis). The termites invade the wooden parts of the plant, including stems and branches. While tea is their main target, they have also been documented to infest various other woody perennials, making them a complex problem for diversified agricultural landscapes.

Biology and life cycle: These termites reside within the woody tissues of the host plant throughout their entire life cycle. The colony structure includes workers, soldiers, and reproductive individuals that operate deep within the plant’s core. They carve extensive galleries, which they maintain with meticulous care, allowing the colony to persist and grow undisturbed for many years.

Damage patterns and economic impact: The primary damage occurs when the termites excavate internal galleries, weakening the structural integrity of the tea bush. This feeding behavior disrupts the transport of water and nutrients, eventually leading to branch dieback and even the total death of the bush. The hidden nature of the infestation often means that the damage is detected only when the plant is already severely compromised.

Management measures: Controlling Glyptotermes dilatatus is challenging due to their protected location within the wood. Management strategies must be proactive:

• Strict sanitation practices, including pruning and disposing of infested wood.
• Implementing regular field inspections to detect early signs of termite presence.
• Selecting resistant or less susceptible tea cultivars for new plantings.
• Systemic insecticide applications targeted at the galleries to reach the internal colony.