Abstract:
The Gliptoterms dilatatus, commonly known as the low country live wood
termite, predominantly inhabits decayed wood resulting from fungal
infection in pruned stems of the tea plant, Camellia sinensis. This study
explores the response of G. dilatatus torotted and healthy tea stems of the
TRI 4042 cultivar, as well as the initial colonies of termite alates.
Additionally, an interim study identifies and evaluates the body extractsof G.
dilatatus, aligning with the primary research objective. The total chemical
composition of initial colonies of C. sinensis and Gliricidia sepium is
compared with that of rotted and healthy tea stems (TRI4042). Utilizing a
choice chamber bioassay, the impact of different parts of the tea plant on
termite behavior is assessed. Results demonstrate that rotted stem pieces of
TRI 4042 are more attractive to alates, with a mean percentage response of
10.83±1.32, compared to 4.16±1.70 for healthy stem pieces. The analysis of
volatile extracts from rotted stems using GC-MS identifies 20 compounds,
with four being common in all replicates. Furthermore, termite initial
colonies exhibit 42 compounds, with 20 additional compounds compared to
healthy and rotted stem pieces. Specific compounds, such as Phenol, 3,5-bis
(1,1-dimethylethyl)- C14 H22 O, are common in rotted stem pieces and
termite initial colonies. In termite alates body extractions, volatile
compounds such as n-Hexane, 1- Hexene, 5-methyl, and Eugenol are
identified. The specific studies are required to identify the behaviorally
responsive compounds and their use for developing management practices.
