Feeding Tendencies and Evaluation Resistance and non- Resistance Behavior of Odontotermes Obesus (Rambur) (Blattodea: Termitidea) on Different Commercial Timbers

The primary purpose of this study is to reveal the feeding preferences of Odontotermes obesus termites on different commercial timbers along with the evaluation of different timbers and their resistance and nonresistance behavior under lab and field conditions at 100 0C. There were six wood species which were evaluated regarding attack and damage which include Abies pindrow (partal), Cedrus deodara (diar), Acacia arabica (keekar), Dalbergia sisso (tali), Mangifera indica (mango), Pinus roxburghii (palwadar). Two weeks’ laboratory and 3 months of field trials were performed with suitable conditions. The samples of every six wood species were prepared and exposed to different species of termites by burying them in the active nests of termites. This practical was performed at Wagah border 30 km away from Lahore. After this time, the factors which were to be noted were wood mass loss and visual appearance of each sample. This also includes a choice and no choice feeding test. This trial is made to evaluate the nonresistance of wood to termite attack. After Trials have been made, it has been noted that the most palatable wood is A. pindrow and the nonresistant wood is C. deodara.

Keywords: Commercial timbers, Feeding Preferences, Temperature Impact, Choice and No choice test.