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113

RESEARCH PUBLICATION

INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF MULTIDISCIPLINARY EDUCATIONAL RESEARCH

ISSN : 2277-7881; IMPACT FACTOR - 2.972; IC VALUE:5.16

VOLUME 4, ISSUE 8(2), AUGUST 2015

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PRELIMINARY STUDIES ON STRUCTURAL WOOD IN URBAN SYSTEMS

Syeda Qaseem Fatima, M.Rajashekhar, K.Vijaykumar Department of Zoology, Gulbarga University, Kalaburgi, Karnataka

Introduction

Termites, thus, have a great economic impact on wood used in and around the buildings. However, it is difficult to establish the exact cost of termite damage and control. Further, the undetected or unchecked termite damage may result in large reported monetary loss. Many investigators have estimated the cost of termite control and repair of damaged wood (Lund, 1967; Ebeling, 1968, Johnston et al., 1972). Rizk et. al., (1982) and Khalil et al., (1982) reported damage due to termites in Egypt. Roonwal (1979) reported loss incurred due to termite damage to structural-wood in India. However, no other literature is available on these aspects.

The abiotic environmental factors influence the foraging activity and thus, the structural-wood destroying activity of termites (Waller and La Fage, 1987). Atmospheric temperature and relative humidity and rainfall play a vital role in the survival of termites. Nests in all termites including the wood inhabiting ones provide an insulated environment for the inhabitants and their thermoregulation is governed by the nest's location internal construction and size (Sen-Sarma, 1988). In Macrotermes species and Odontotermes species, architecture of the mound seems to play the most crucial role in thermoregulation (Sen-Sarma, 1988). Experiments have shown that air temperature and moisture content of available timber are the most important factors influencing the activity of dry wood termites (Williams, 1976; Steward, 1981, 1982).

Sen-Sarma (1988) have provided an excellent account of relative humidity inside the mound of Neotermes exitosus and have reported that 96% of relative humidity prevailed throughout the year. High clay content inside some of mounds, seems to assist in maintaining high humidity inside the nest (Sen-Sarma, 1988). Steward (1982) have shown that C. brevis is able to accimilatise successfully to either moderately high (90%) or loss (60%) relative humidity at 29.0°C.

In India, very little information is available on the effect of abiotic factors on termite activity. Agarwal (1979) has reported that the presence of alates inside the mound increased the mound temperature 30°C in May, which decreased to 26.7-27.8°C soon after swarming of alates in O. microdentatus. Behaviour of the termites in response to relative humidity has been studied. The optimum




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humidity for Neotermes basei synder has been reported to be 96-98% [Sen-Sarma, 1972], for Heterotermes indicola it was 98-100% [Sen-Sarma, 1969], and for Microtermis beesoni synder it was 100% RH [Sen-Sarma, 1969], and for Microtermis beesoni synder it was 100% RH [Sen-Sarma and Chatterjee, 1966a,b].

Agarwal (1979) has observed that relative humidity inside the mound of O. microdentatus fluctuated within a narrow range of 92-96% throughout the year. Similar is the case in O. obesus. High clay content inside the mounds seemed to assist in maintaining its high humidity (Sen-Sarma, 1974). However, no information is available on the influence of abiotic factors on structural-wood destroying activity of termites. Moreover, little information is available on the qualitative composition of structural-wood destroying termites and types of their damage arid their wood destroying activity in Indian urban or rural system. Not even a single research report has been published on economic loss caused by termites in different urban and rural areas in India (Reddy and Sammaiah, 1987). Therefore, the present investigation was undertaken with the objectives of identifying and understanding specific termite damages in different type of structural -wood in different types of houses, and the economic loss caused by them.

MATERIAL AND METHODS Survey and Sampling

Extensive surveys were conducted periodically during January 2012 to April 2014 which includes regular monthly surveys followed by the keen observation of termite damage to different types of structural wood in RCQ TR Houses and THs in various localities of Gulbarga and Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban systems. A total of 150 houses including Government School Buildings, Libraries, Banks and Government Office Buildings were inspected monthly in the entire urban system, selecting few standard houses of each type in a given locality. The house owners/persons concerned were requested for their co-operation required regarding the termite damage in their houses/offices. The indoor wood-works such as doors, frames, window panels, sashs, joists, rafters and wall supportings, door and window supporting frames of TH s were inspected for damage. Other cellulose material such as books in libraries, wooden almirahs in Government offices and banks including clothes used for wrapping the files in the offices and schools in all the three types of houses were also inspected for the signs of termite activity. The earthen-sheet coverings, runways (shelter tubes) and small chanelled holes on the wood works made by the termites were inspected. Those found with any such type of sign of termite activity and damage were examined rending and exposing the interior portion by a sharp chisel. Presence of small mounds on the inner and outer walls and on the roof particularly on the top of the wall of these houses were also noted.




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As the subterranean termites usually enter the houses through the cracks in foundations, floors and wall, spread runways up to the structural wood (Johnson, 1981), such types of cracks either in foundation or floor or walls of houses were also inspected. The termites particularly the soldiers and workers damaging there articles were collected in 80% ethanol for species identification.

The intensities of the damage and deterioration were assessed by eye and quantified on the basis of five damage classes (Williams, 1973 and Beal 1979) and recorded. It has hither to been the usual evaluation method for field tests of wood samples. The five damage classes of structural wood, were given numerical symbols as follows. (i) '0' no attack (ii) + a few attack exploratory nibbles (10% damage) (iii) ++Slight attack with the wood remaining serviceable(10% to 25% damage) (iv) +++ moderate attack with wood rendered unserviceable (25% to 50% damage) (v) ++++ Heavy attack with the wood rendered useless for any structural purpose (50 to 75% damage) Results and discussion

Of all these termites, C. ceylonicus, O. brunneus, were recorded causing maximum damage and 0. wallonensis, O. redemanni [Wasmann] and M. obesi, causing minor damage to the structural wood of different types of houses in Gulbarga urban system.

C. ceylonicus and O.assimuthi damage was maximum and C. hemi and 0. Wallonensis was minimum recorded in the Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban System.

The percentage of different types of houses damaged by various species of termites in the Gulbarga urban system is presented in Table 3. It shows that 41.68% of the total houses selected at random for sampling, have been damaged by termites, of which maximum were recorded in TR houses (18 .18%) and minimum THs (9 .6%) . C. ceylonicus damaged the structural-wood in maximum number (7.62%) followed by O. brunneus (4.58%) O. wallonensis (1.62%) and 0. redemanni (0.92%) in RCC houses. In case of TR Houses the maximum damage was recorded by O. brunneus (7.62%) followed by C. ceylonicus (6.01%), O. wallonensis (2.73%) and O. redemanni (1.82%). The damage of Thatched houses was recorded maximum by O. brunneus (6.03%) followed by O. wallonensis (1.8%), C. ceylonicus (0.84%) and O. redemanni (0.87%). However the overall damage of termites in different houses recorded as RCC 13.12%, TRH 18.18% and THs 9.6% (Table 3).




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The total damage caused by C. ceylonicus in different houses recorded 13.63%, O. brunneus 18.23%, O. redemanni 3.61%, O. wallonensis 6.21% in Gulbarga Urban System.

Table -3 Percentages of houses damaged by different species of termites in Gulbarga Urban System.

Species RCC TRH TH Total

C. ceylonicus 7.62 6.01 0.84 13.63

O. brunneus 4.58 7.62 6.03 18.23

O. redemanni 0.92 1.82 0.87 3.61

O. Wallonensis 1.62 2.73 1.86 6.21

Total 14.91 18.18 9.6 41.68

The percentage of different types of houses damaged by various species of

termites in the Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban System is presented in the Table 4. It shows that 50.38% of the total houses selected at random for sampling have been damaged by termites of which maximum were RCC houses(23.60%) and minimum were THs (9.06%).

C. ceylonicus damaged the structural wood in maximum number of RCC houses (11.23%) followed by C.heimi which damaged 7.43% of structural wood in RCC Houses. It was recorded that 2.45% of houses were damaged by O. assimithi and 2.32% of RCC were damaged by O.wallonensis in RCC houses. However in TR houses maximum structural wood of houses (7.62%) was damaged by C. ceylonicus and minimum number of houses (2.48%) were damaged by O. assimithi. C.heimi damage was recorded 3.73% whereas damage due to O.wallonensis in TR houses was 3.89%.

All the four species of termites in the Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban system damaged the THs. However C. ceylonicus and O. wallonensis were the major culprits which damaged 2.83% and 1.89% THs respectively. O. assimuthi recorded 1.87% whereas O. wallonensis recorded 2.47%.

Among all the species of termites of Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban System C. ceylonicus damaged maximum number of houses (21.68%) followed by C. heimi (13.05%) while minimum number of houses were damaged by 0. assimuthi (6.97%). A considerable damaged was recorded by 0. wallonensis in this urban system which amounts 8.68%.




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The total damage caused by C. ceylonicus in different houses recorded 21.68%, C. heimi recorded 13.05%, O. assimuthi recorded 6.97% and O. wallonensis recorded 8.68% in the Semi urban areas of Gulbarga urban system.

Table -4 Percentages of houses damaged by different species of termites in Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban System.

Species RCC TRH TH Total

C. ceylonicus 11.23 7.62 2.83 21.68

C.heimi 7.43 3.73 1.89 13.05

0. assimuthi 2.62 2.48 1.87 6.97

0. Wallonensis 2.32 3.89 2.47 8.68

Total 23.60 17.72 9.06 50.38

Different types of structural-wood works damaged by various species of

termites in RCC, TR Houses and THs of Gulbarga Urban System were presented in Table 5. It revealed that in RCC, C. ceylonicus damaged door-frames and panels window-sashes, joists, wooden shelves fixed in walls and other wooden-supports of the habitat. O. brunneus damaged all the aforesaid wooden structures except the joist and wooden supports. However, O. redemanni damaged the wooden shelves fixed in walls, door-frames while O. wallonensis damaged the wooden-wall shelves, door-frames and window-sashes.

In TR houses G ceylonicus damaged the door-frames and panels, joists, eaves and ceiling. O. brunneus and O. redemanni damaged all the wood-works except the door-frames and panels. O. wallonensis damaged only the joists, rafters, eaves and ceiling, wooden boxes and wall-shelves.

In THs, O. brunneus damaged the door-frames, joists, rafters and eaves with C. ceylonicus damaged only joists. O. wallonensis damaged only rafter and O. redemanni damaged the door-frames.




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Table 5: List of different indoor wood-works damaged by termites in Gulbarga Urban System

Types of Structural-

wood

C. ceylonicus O.brunneus O.redemanni O.wallonensis

RCC House

Door Frame + + + +

Door Panel + +

Window-sash + + +

Joist + - - -

Wall Shelves + + + +

Wooden

supports

+ - - -

TR House:

Door Frame + _ — +

Door Panel +

Window-sash _ + + _

Joist + + + +

Rafter - + + +

Ceiling + + + +

Eaves + + + +

Wall Shelves _ +

Dry wooden planks laying on

the floor

+

Wooden boxes - - - +

TH

Door Frame - + + -

Joist + + _ _

Rafter - + - +




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Eaves - + - -

Bamboo suppor

ts

- - - -

Different types of structural wood works damaged by various species of

termites in RCC, TR and THs of Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban System were presented in Table 6. It revealed that in RCC houses both C ceylonicus and C. heimi damaged the door frames and panels, window sashes, joists, wooden supports of shelves. O.assumuthi damaged all the aforesaid wooden structures except the joists and wallshelves. O.wallonensis damaged the window sashes, door frames and other wooden structures of shelves except door panels.

In TR houses of Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban System door frames, panels and joists were damaged by C. ceylonicus. However C.heimi damaged all the wood works except joists. O. assumuthi damaged only door frames whereas O. wallonensis damaged all except door panels and window sashes.

In THs of Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban System, door frame was damaged by all the species of termites except O. wallonensis. However O. assumithi damaged bamboo supports also besides the door frames.

A list of different indoor wood works damaged by different species

termites in both the urban systems are presented in the Table 7.

It reveals that C. ceylonicus damage to structural wood viz., Door Frame, Door Panel, Window frame, Window Shelves, Sill recorded in RCC houses of both the urban systems. C. heimi and O. redemanni damage was recorded to door frame, and wooden shelves respectively. However the damage of O. brunneus and O. assimuthi was not significant. C. ceylonicus damage was recorded to Door Frames, Door Panels, Wooden supports in TR houses in both the urban systems. C. heimi and O. brunneus damage recorded window frames, and door frames respectively in TR houses. The damage of O. redemanni and O. assimuthi was not significant in TRH. C. ceylonicus damaged was also recorded in huts.




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Table -7: List of different indoor wood works damaged by different species of termites in both the urban systems

Species RCC TR House Huts

C. ceylonicus Door Frame Door Panel

Window frame Window Shelves

Sill

Door Frame Door Panel

Wooden supports

Door frame Rafter

Bamboo supports

C. heimi Door frame Window frame -

0. redemanni Wooden shelf Books -

0. brunneus - Door frame -

0. assumuthi - - Window frame




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Table 6: List of different indoor wood-works damaged by termites in Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban System

Types of

Structural-wood C.

ceylonicus C.heimi O.assumuthi O.wallonesis

RCC House Door Frame + + + +

Door Panel + + + Window-sash + + + +

Joist + +

Wall Shelves + + +

Wooden supports

+ + - -

TR House:

Door Frame + + + + Door Panel + + - -

Window-sash _ + _ _

Joist + _ +

Rafter - - - +

Ceiling + + _ + Eaves + + - +

Wall Shelves - - - + Dry wooden planks laying on

the floor

Wooden boxes - - - - TH

Door Frame + + + -

Joist - - - +

Rafter - + - -

Eaves - + - -

Bamboo supports

- - + -




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Reference

1. Ebeling W. 1968 Termites, Identification, biology and control of termites attack buildings. Univ. Calif. Calif. Agric. Exp. Stn. Ext. Serv. Mom. 38, 74 pp.

2. Johnston, H.R., Smith, U.K. and Beal, R.H. 1972. Subterranean termites, their prevention and control in buildings. U.S. Dep. Agric. Home and Garden Bull. No.64,30 p. (Rev. Mar. 1979).

3. Khalil f.m., Rizk, M.M. Maher ALI, A. and Morsy, M.A., 1982. Assessment of damage due to termites in Egypt. II Aswan gournorate upper Egypot. Assiut Journal of Agricultural Science, 13(3): 101-106.

4. Lund, A.E., 1967. The laboratoiry and field study of subterranean termites. Int. Pest. Control., 9(4): 29-33.

5. Reddy, M.V. and Sammaiah, CH., 1987. Damage of Coptotermes ceylonicus Holmgren to structural-wood in telangana region of Andhra Pradesh. In: Chemistry and Biology of Social insects. (Ed. Jorg Eder and Heinz Remboid) Verlag. J. Peperny., Munchen, pp. 672-673.

6. Rizk, M.M., Khalil F.M. and Maher ALI, A., 1982. Assessment of damage due to termite in Egypt. 1. New Valley Governorate Western Deseart. Assiut Journal of Agricultural Science, 13(3): 93-100.

7. Roonwal, M.L., 1979. Termite life and termite control in tropical south Asia. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur, India PP. 177.

8. Sen-Sarma, P.K. , and Thakur, M.L., 1974. Biology, distribution and economic significance of some termites attacking buildings. J. Indian Plywood Industr. Res. List, 4(3): 115-125.

9. Sen-Sarma, P.K. and Chatterjee, P.N., 1966a. Humidity Behaviour of termites. I. Effect of relative humidity on the longevity of workers of Microtermes beesoni Snyder under starvation condition. Indian Forest Bull. (N.S.) Ent. No.255,1-6.

10. Sen-Sarma, P.K. and Chatterjee, P.N., 1966b. The effect of preconditioning on the humidity reactions of workers of Mocrocerotermes beesoni Snyder. Insectes Sociaux, 13: 267-275.




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11. Sen-Sarma, P.K., 1969. Effect of relative humidity on the lonevity of starving workers and soldiers of Heterotermes indicola (Wasm) (Insecta: Isoptera), Proc. 7th Congr. Int. Un. Study Soc. Social Insects (Bern, 1969), Bern. pp. 263-266.

12. Sen-Sarma, P.M. 1972. Laboratory testing of natural termite resistance of Indian woods. In: Termite Problems in India. (Ed. by MX. Roonwal] New Delhi (Counc. Sci. & Ind. Res.) PP.8-14.

13. Waller, D.A. and Lafage, J.P., 1987. Seasonal patterns in Foraging Groups of Coptotermes formosanus (Rhino termitidae). Sociobiology.

14. Williams, R.M.C., 1976. Factors limiting the distribution of building damaging dry-wood termites (Isoptera, Cryptotermes) species Mater, und Org., 3: [Suppl.] 394-406.




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DIVERSITY OF TERMITE FAUNA IN URBAN SYSTEMS

Syeda Qaseem Fatima, M.Rajashekhar, K.Vijaykumar

Department of Zoology, Gulbarga University, Kalaburgi, Karnataka Abstract In the present investigation, total 7 termite species were recorded in Kalaburagi urban system during the 20012 -2014. The Kalaburagi urban system composed of two families, and 6 species of termites, whereas semi urban system of Kalburagi was represented by two families and 4 species repectively. The abundance of Macrotermitinae sub family was noticed in Kalaburagi urban system, while high occuracne of Coptotermitinae sub family was observed in semi urban system of Kalaburagi city. Key words: termites, urban system, Kalaburagi Introduction

The great architect, Frank Lloyd Wright, once said "we may use wood with intelligence only if we understand it" (Haverty 1976). As a part of understanding wood one has to understand the role that insects play in its biodeterioration. It is possible to use wood in home construction and have it last for reasonable period of time without deterioration by insects provided proper care is taken, although long-term service of wood will vary according to the intensity and type of insect attack to which the structures may be naturally exposed. Termites are of principal importance as pests of wooden buildings or the wooden parts of the buildings. Although destruction by these creatures is relatively slow, insidious, and spotty, the total of the damage they cause places termites among the most important groups of insects (Abe and others 2000).

Termites commonly known as white-ants, are medium sized, soft bodied insects with dull white to light or dark brown in colour. Thus, they are called "kashtra harika" (wood-feeding) in ancient Sanskrit literature. They live in colonies in nests (termitorium). They are present throughout the tropics other than the high-altitude zones. They also occur at a lesser degree in some temperate regions. Zimmerman et al., (1982) reported 70% of land being occupied by the termites in tropical and warm temperate areas of the world.

Economically, they are not only the serious pests of agriculture and plantations but also they cause enormous damage to structural-wood in different types of houses in all tropical and sub-tropical countries. (Bignell and Eggleton, 1998 and 2000).




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The structural-wood both in urban and rural areas, is severely damaged by termites (Reddy 1982, Edwards and Mill 1986). It has been reported that subterranean termites, mainly Coptotermes species and Odontotermes species account for 95% of the termite-damage of wood and wood-products (Roonwall 1979, Edwards and Mill 1986).

In the present paper, an attempt has been made to servey the diversity of different type of termites which damage the urban wood in Kalaburagi City.

Materials and methods

Survey and Sampling

Extensive surveys were conducted periodically during January 2012 to April 2014 which includes regular monthly surveys followed by the keen observation of termite damage to different types of structural wood in RCQ TR Houses and THs in various localities of Gulbarga and Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban systems. A total of 150 houses including Government School Buildings, Libraries, Banks and Government Office Buildings were inspected monthly in the entire urban system, selecting few standard houses of each type in a given locality. The house owners/persons concerned were requested for their co-operation required regarding the termite damage in their houses/offices. The indoor wood-works such as doors, frames, window panels, sashs, joists, rafters and wall supporting, door and window supporting frames of TH s were inspected for damage. Other cellulose material such as books in libraries, wooden almirahs in Government offices and banks including clothes used for wrapping the files in the offices and schools in all the three types of houses were also inspected for the signs of termite activity. The earthen-sheet coverings, runways (shelter tubes) and small channeled holes on the wood works made by the termites were inspected. Those found with any such type of sign of termite activity and damage were examined rending and exposing the interior portion by a sharp chisel. Presence of small mounds on the inner and outer walls and on the roof particularly on the top of the wall of these houses was also noted.

Results and discussion

Various species of termites recorded within the limits of Gulbarga and Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban systems are presented in Table 1 and Table 2. They belonged to two families namely Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae.




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In, the family Rhintoermitidae, Coptotermes ceylonicus [Holmgren] was recorded while in Termitidae, Odontotermes brunneus [Hagen], Odontotermes redemanni [Wasmann], Odontotermes wallonensis [Wasmann] and Microtermes obesi [Holmgren] were recorded in Gulbarga Urban system.

In Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban system, Coptotermes ceylonicus [Holmgren] and C.heimi [Wasmann] of family Rhinotermitidae along with Odontotermes assimuthi [Holmgren] and Odontotermes wallonensis [Wasmann] of family termitidae were recorded. The systematic position of termite pests causing damage to wooden works in both urban systems.

1. Phylum - Arthropoda Class _ Insecta Order _ Isoptera Family - Rhinotermitidae Sub family - Coptoterminitae Genus - Coptotermes Species - C. ceylonicus

C.heimi 2. Phylum - Arthropoda

Class _ Insecta Order _ Isoptera Family - Termitidae Sub family - Macrotermitinae Genus - Odontotermes Species - O. brunneus

O. redemanni O. assimuthi

3. Phylum - Arthropoda Class _ Insecta Order _ Isoptera Family - Termitidae Sub family - Microtermitinae Genus - Microtermes Species - M. obesi




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Table -1 Diversity of species of termites causing damage to structural wood works in Gulbarga Urban System.

Family Sub Family Species

RHINOTERMITIDAE

Coptotermitinae

** Coptotermes ceylonicus (Holmgren)

TERMITIDAE Macrotermitinae

** Odontotermes brunneus (Hagen) *Odontotermes

redemanni(Naswann) * Odontotermes

wallonensis[Wasmann] * Microtermes obesi Holmgren

(** Severe Damage, * Minor damage)

Table - 2 Diversity of species of termites causing damage to structural wood works in Semi urban areas of

Gulbarga Urban System.

Family Sub Family Species

RHINOTERMITIDAE Coptotermitinae ** Coptotermes ceylonicus Holmgren * Coptotermes heimi

TERMITIDAE Macrotermitinae ** Odontotermes assimuthi * Odontotermes wallonensis

[Wasmann]

(** Severe Damage, * Minor damage)

Of all these termites, C. ceylonicus, O. brunneus, were recorded

causing maximum damage and 0. wallonensis, O. redemanni [Wasmann]




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and M. obesi, causing minor damage to the structural wood of different types of houses in Gulbarga urban system.

C. ceylonicus and O.assimuthi damage was maximum and C. hemi and 0. Wallonensis was minimum recorded in the Semi urban areas of Gulbarga Urban System.

References :

1. Abe, T., Bignell, d.e. and Higshi M., (eds) 2000 Termites, Evolution, Sociality, Symbioses, Ecology, Kluwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht

2. Zimmerman, P.R.., 1982, Termites: A potentially large source of atmospheric methane, carbon dioxide and molecular hydrogen. Science. 218:563-565.

3. Bignell, D.E., and Eggleton P., 1998. Termites., Encyclopedia of Ecology and Environmental Management. Blackwell Science, Oxford PP 744-746.

4. Bignell, DE., and Eggleton P., 2000. Termites in ecosystems Kulwer Academic Publishers, Dordrecht. PP 367-387.

5. Roonwal, M.L., 1979. Termite life and termite control in tropical south Asia. Scientific Publishers, Jodhpur, India PP. 177.

6. Edwards, R. and Mill, A.E., 1986. Termites in buildings their biology and Control. Rentokil Limited, Great Britain.

7. Haverty, M.I., 1976. Termites pest control. 44(5): 12-17,46-49.

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