Termites (Insecta: isoptera) on urban trees of Zone 1 at Maringá - PR

Abstract

The city of Maringá is nationally distinguished by having a big number of trees. At the present time, the city finds itself with a considerable amount of trees presenting low phytosanitary condition, what can be caused by the existence of plagues, such as termites. The Order Isoptera, has as food source the cellulose contained in the wood of trees and also humus. The aim of this study was to verify the infestation caused by termites in the trees of Zone 1, at Maringá-PR, as well as identify the termites’ species on the infested trees. The data about the frequency of trees with termites were obtained from the Tree Project, and with the utilization of a tablechart containing the location of the tree to collect termites for identification. With the results obtained it was possible to verify the existence of 433 trees that contained traces of termite infestation, and from these, 60 trees contained arboreal nest. The Sibipiruna tree (Caesalpinia peltophoroides) was the specie that presented the biggest number of units presenting termites and arboreal nest, and the Quaresmeira tree (Tibouchina sp) had almost its all population attacked by termites. The arboreal nests belonged to the species Nasutitermes corniger, being also the only representing termites at Zone 1.