Abstract:
The study was conducted to investigate the mutual relationship between Macrotermes
termites and their symbiotic fungus Termitomyces, focusing on their structural
organization and functional roles within the mound ecosystem. Additionally, the
research explored the potential of using fungal antagonists as eco-friendly biocontrol
agents for sustainable termite management. Field observations were conducted on ten
Macrotermes mounds and detailed data were collected from only one representative
mound, which was dome-shaped with multiple ventilation holes measuring 3–6 cm in
diameter, an average height of 120 cm, and an average width of 190 cm. Internal
examination revealed well-organized chambers containing fungus combs with a mean
fresh weight of 230.47 ± 92 g, a perimeter of 37.5 ± 5 cm, and a volume of 1793.1 ± 926
cm³, indicating advanced eusocial organization and efficient resource allocation. The
isolated Termitomyces species displayed white, cottony mycelial growth with
basidiomycete characteristics, including clamp connections observed microscopically.
Dual culture assays with three replicates demonstrated strong antagonistic activity of
Trichoderma viride against Termitomyces, achieving 83.33% inhibition of mycelial
growth after 14 days. An eco-friendly substrate formulation containing tamarind seed
and fenugreek seed supported maximum mycelial growth and sporulation (6.23 ± 0.3
× 10⁶ spores g⁻¹) at an optimal pH range of 5.5–6.5. T. viride colonized sterilized termite
combs more effectively than wild combs, suggesting that native microbial flora
restricted colonization. Laboratory bioassays revealed a significant effect (p < 0.05) of
entomopathogenic fungi on termite mortality, with Paecilomyces cerevisiae causing the
highest mortality (85%), followed by Metarhizium anisopliae (75%) and Beauveria
bassiana (49.3%). Overall, the findings support the use of fungal-based biocontrol
agents in environmentally sustainable management of Macrotermes termites.
