The presence of biofertilizers can affect the life and movement of subterranean organisms in the soil. In the current study, the effect of three biofertilizers (Unigrow, Rhizogold and Rhizogold Plus) alone and in combination with diatomaceous earth (DE) and insecticides on mortality and movement of subterranean termites, Coptotermes heimi (Wasmann), was investigated under laboratory conditions. The mortality of termites in soil mixed with biofertilizers was low as compared to the control treatment, which led to significant mortality. Length of galleries formed by termites with the addition of Unigrow in the soil was significantly higher as compared to the other two biofertilizers and control treatments. Mortality increased in the presence of insecticides and DE in the soil substrate. Unigrow mixed soil having chlorfenapyr had maximum mortality and minimum gallery length followed by Rhizogold and Rhizogold Plus. The addition of DE and insecticide further enhances mortality, and we recommend that some toxic elements should be incorporated in biofertilizers to control subterranean termites.

Coptotermes heimi (Wasmann) is a termite widely present throughout Pakistan and causes detrimental effects in standing trees. In this study, the feeding preferences of C. heimi for 18 different wood species were determined through choice and no-choice trials under laboratory and field conditions. In no-choice laboratory trials, different combinations of wood blocks were used to determine wood consumption by C. heimi. Weight loss, consumption/individual and survival rate were evaluated. Populus euramericana was found to be the most susceptible wood species and Syzygium cumini the most resistant one. Nine different wood combinations were used under choice laboratory conditions; maximum feeding was recorded in P. euramericana and Pinus roxburghii (50.8–24.5 mg). However, minimum feeding was recorded in S. cumini (2 mg) and Tectona grandis (14.9 mg). Under no-choice field conditions, minimum feeding was recorded in S. cumini (9.5 mg) and maximum feeding in P. euramericana (60.5 mg). Under choice field conditions, maximum (58 mg) feeding was recorded in P. euramericana and minimum feeding in S. cumini. Feeding preferences in descending order based on wood consumption as a quantitative parameter documented were as follows: P. euramericana>Ailanthus excelsa>Azadirachta indica>P. roxburghii>Butea monosperma>Morus alba>Bauhinia variegata>Albizia lebbeck>Dalbergia sissoo>Heterophragma adenophyllum>Erythrina suberosa>Cassia fistula>T. grandis>Mangifera indica>Eucalyptus camaldulensis>Jacaranda mimosifolia>Bambusa bamboo>S. cumini.