ATTACKS AND DAMAGE OF TERMITES (INSECTA: ISOPTERA) IN COCOA PLANTATIONS (THEOBROMA CACAO L.) OF M BRIMBO S.A.B STATION (SOUTH COTE DIVOIRE)

Termites (Isoptera) are invertebrates that play many ecological functions in terrestrial ecosystems, especially in tropical areas. Despite the beneficial impact on agriculture, some termites are caused the important damages to crops and plantations in agrosystems. Knowledge of pest species is a prerequisite for undertaking an adequate fight against these insects. A study was carried out to evaluate the incidence of termite attack on cocoa trees of the station S.A.B. (Soci?t?Agricole du Bandama) in the south of C?te d'Ivoire. Termites were searched on the cacao trees and the rate of their attack was calculated. The results show that a total of 9 species from 5 genera of termites were identified. Termite attacks on cocoa trees were mainly due to the group of Fungus-growers and wood-feeders. These termites were responsible for 52.66% of attacks on cocoa trees. The Ancistrotermes and Pseudacanthotermes, genus of fungus-growers group, with respectively54% and 23% attack rates, constitute the most aggressive genera for cocoa trees. However, the attack intensity index was low (16.95%). The major damages were mainly caused by the genera Pseudacanthotermes and Coptotermes. It is therefore necessary to consider adequate control methods against these species.