Termite Physiology in Relation to Wood Degradation and Termite Control

摘要

The importance of termites (order Isoptera) in the degradation of wood (cellulose, hemicellulose, and lignin collectively) is discussed, and the relative contributions of termite enzymes and intestinal microfauna (protozoa and bacteria) are presented. We also provide an overview of the areas of cellulose degradation, and physiological (enzymatic and pheromonal) means of termite control. Discussion includes the currently known hormones and pheromones with application in control measures, and some reasons for their current use (or lack of use) in termite control. Termites are social insects, and hormonal/pheromonal control measures often do not have the same results as are expected with solitary pest species. Finally, a short discussion of the current trends in research on feeding and foraging behavior of subterranean termites is presented.