The Termite Heterotermes Indicola as a Pest of the Vegetable, Karela or Bitter Gourd (M Omordica Charantia), In The Indian Desert

Abstract

On the outskirts of Jodhpur, Heterotermes indicola attacks the growing shoots and roots of the vegetable, karela or bitter gourd (Momordica charanlia Linn, family Cucurbitaceae), and prevents growth. This is the first record of termite attack on this vegetable, and also the first record of this termite (which principally attacks wood in buildings) damaging vegetables. Irrigation of soil with 0.5 % water emulsion of aldrin E.C. 30 prevents termite attack.