Termites

Damage symptoms : Wilting and death of plants with a hole in the stem, just below the soil surface. The stems are coated or 'sheeted' with soil . Tunnels are seen in stem and roots when split.Damaged or dying plants due to disease or mechanical injury are mostly attacked. Description : Social insects that form colonies in chambers below the soil surface. Eggs are laid on plants and in the soil. 'Workers' are small (4 mm) and have a soft, white body and a brown head . Stems coated with soil. Note the damage to the stem and termite 'workers'

Control : Seed treatment with aldrin or HCH. Drenching of termite nests with aldrin or HCH solution. Good cultivation practices to grow healthy plants.