Variation in susceptibility of Eucalyptus grandis and selected hybrid clones to two termite species Macrotermes bellicosus and M. subhyalinus in Uganda

The maximum productivity of plantation forestry and its role in climate change mitigation, adaptation and resilience cannot be met without proper management. Termites in the genus Macrotermes have been reported as a major challenge to Eucalyptus plantation forestry establishment. The current study evaluated the susceptibility of four Eucalyptus hybrid clones; GU 7, GC 796, GC 550 and GC 796/2 and E. grandis to the most damaging Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman) and Macrotermes subhyalinus (Rambur) to identify tolerant material that can be planted in high incidence areas. The study involved exposure of moisture dry pieces of wood from E. grandis and the four hybrid clones to damage by M. bellicosus and M. subhyalinus. Results confirmed that M. bellicosus is the most aggressive. Results further revealed that E. grandis and GC 550 are the most susceptible whereas GC 796 is the most tolerant clone. The findings from the study will contribute to improved management of termites by planting tolerant material in high risk areas.

Methods
The study involved exposure of moisture dry pieces of wood from E. grandis and the four hybrid clones to damage by M. bellicosus and M. subhyalinus.

唯有实施科学有效的经营管理，方能实现人工林的最高生产力，并充分发挥其在气候变化减缓、适应与韧性提升中的作用。已有研究证实，大白蚁属（Macrotermes）白蚁是桉树人工林营建过程中的主要制约性有害生物。本研究以4个桉树杂交无性系（GU 7、GC 796、GC 550、GC 796/2）及巨桉（E. grandis）为试验材料，评估其对两种危害最严重的白蚁——大白蚁（Macrotermes bellicosus (Smeathman)）与淡色大白蚁（Macrotermes subhyalinus (Rambur)）的敏感性，旨在筛选可在白蚁高发区推广种植的抗虫材料。本研究将巨桉与4个杂交无性系的干木块暴露于两种白蚁的取食危害中。试验结果证实，大白蚁的取食攻击性更强。进一步研究发现，巨桉与GC 550的敏感性最高，而GC 796为抗虫性最强的无性系。本研究结果可为在白蚁高发风险区种植抗虫材料、优化白蚁防控管理提供理论依据。

试验方法
本研究将巨桉与4个杂交无性系的干木块暴露于两种白蚁的取食危害中。