Area coverage of Globitermes sulphureus termites in oil palm plantation of Felda Kemahang, Tanah Merah, Kelantan

Globitermes sulphureus is one of the most important mound-building subterranean termite species that present in areas of South East Asia including Malaysia and is the significant pest in oil palm plantations. A study on the area coverage of Globitermes sulphureus was conducted in Oil Palm Plantation, Felda Kemahang, Tanah Merah Kelantan. The site has been attacked by Globitermes sulphureus with its mound. The objective of this study was to identify the area coverage for Globitermes sulphureus by attacked on wood baits and to identify the physical parameter of Globitermes sulphureus termite mound at the study site. The methods used for data collection, which is termite baiting system and weekly survey of baits. The baiting system was conducted using Hevea brasiliensis as a wooden bait and was installed in the study area. Approximately 108 survey stakes were used but only 11 were attacked by termite species of Globitermes sulphureus. Maximum foraging distances of the Globitermes sulphureus colonies in this study ranged between 5 m and 15 m. From three sampling sites, Felda Kemahang 2 was found with the higher activity of Globitermes sulphureus. Besides, the physical parameter of Globitermes sulphureus mound for soil pH is acidic, soil temperature optimum which is 26 °C to 33 °C and average for soil moisture is between 1.17 to 1.20. Thus, physical parameters could influence the activity of termite at the study site. This study provides information about foraging activities in oil palm plantation areas. Future research on area coverage of Globitermes sulphureus at Felda Kemahang is recommended because there might be larger area coverage that would be identified in that area.