Termite diversity, abundance, distribution and level of damage on Bean crop (Phaseolus vulgaris) andon housing structurein Yem district, SNNPRS,South Ethiopia

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine termitediversity, abundance, distribution and Level of damage on Bean crop (P. vulgaris) andhousing structurein Yem district, SNNPR, South West Ethiopia. A longitudinal study was employed to collect relevant information on termite diversity, abundance, distribution and the effects in the study area. Standard identification key was used to identify termites to genera level. The sample size of the study was determined using a standard formula. Accordingly, of the 666 total populations180 study participants were selected from the sampling frame using simple random sampling technique with proportional allocation for the two kebeles (Melaka and Angry). A total of 180 houses and 12 farmers’ bean crop fields were also surveyed. Data collected during the study were analyzed using SPSS software package version 20.0.Two families of termite were collected, of which 4 sub families and ten genera were identified in this study. From the identified genera the predominant (17%) were Amitermes and Odontotermes.Of the total 4804 bean stalks from12 quadrants, 7.29% were infested by termite pests .There was a significant association between bean infestation and damage level. From the total infested houses, 36.7% infested house had a life span of less than ten years and the remaining 64.3%had above 10 years. Over quarter of house owner’s reported that they used indigenous (local) preventive measures before house constructions, such as rolling plastics on the wooden frame and painting the wooden frames with petroleum oil. Termite infestation was significantly correlated with construction materials, season and topography. There was significant association p < 0.05 between topographyand termite infestation. This study indicates that termite had great impact on farmers’ crop and houses. The consequence was leading to repeated and frequent repairing and maintenances. This activity in turn caused economic deterioration of the society. , The results of this study will help asa base line information for designing and implementing local termite protection and control intervention strategies, especially to the Yem special Woreda and studied kebeles.