Summary
This narrative review examines termite management in Chinese agriculture, addressing the dual nature of termites as both soil-improving decomposers and crop pests causing substantial economic losses. The authors advocate for integrated termite management (ITM) combining improved traditional practices, enhanced crop vigour through better agronomic management, and emerging technologies such as RNA interference, rather than relying on single control methods.
Regional applicability
Whilst focused on Chinese agricultural systems, the principles of integrated termite management and the balance between pest control and soil health are transferable to United Kingdom farming contexts. However, termite species and their agronomic significance differ substantially from those in temperate UK conditions, where termite damage to crops is not a primary concern; the emphasis on sustainable, multi-faceted approaches has broader applicability.
Key measures
Economic cost of termite damage (estimated >40 billion USD annually globally); effectiveness of traditional and integrated management approaches; susceptibility of crops to termite attack under different agronomic practices
Outcomes reported
The review synthesises sustainable and integrated termite management practices (ITM) for controlling termite damage to crops whilst acknowledging termites' beneficial role in soil fertility and decomposition. It evaluates traditional methods, agronomic practices, and emerging technologies for reducing termite infestation.
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