Ocorrência de cupins (Insecta, Isoptera) como pragas de mandioca em Bujaru, Pará

Abstract

In order to verify suspected damage to cassava (Manihot esculenta) by termites in fields in the municipality of Bujaru, Para State, Brazil, about 200 apparently diseased plants of different cultivares were uprooted and inspected. Several of these plants contained termites in the tuber or stem. 1,025 cuttings, representing more than 10 cultivares, were planted in a field where termites had been found and were harvested after 10 months. Heterotermes tenuis and Coptotermes testaceus were found to be pests, and Syntermes dirus and Nasutitermes corniger were also suspected of contributing to the observed crop damage. Termites were found in cassava in other areas of Pará State, but always on a smaller scale.