FACTORS INFLUENCING THE ATTACK OF A RHIZOPHAGUS TERMITE IN UPLAND RICE UNDER NO-TILLAGE

Abstract

The objective of this study was to evaluate the damage of the root feeder termite (Procornitermes triacifer) on upland rice cultivar Aimoré under no-tillage system. Three experiments in randomized complete block design with three replications were carried out. The plot was made up by four 15 m plant rows spaced by 0.4 m. Treatments were: three furrow openers and three seed firming devices in the first experiment; three furrow openers and two seed depth controllers in the second experiment; and, in the third experiment, five furrow openers tested on soybean, Andropogon, and Brachiaria residues. The furrow openers were tested with or without subsoiler. The two first experiments were repeated for three years, 2002/2003 through 2004/2005. In the first year, it was used the insecticide thiamethoxam 10 G (20 kg ha-1) mixed to starter fertilizer. The third experiment was conducted only in 2003/2004. Termite damage was quantified separately in the external rows and also in the rows located at higher and lower areas. The insecticide and the double disk furrow openers combined with the subsoiler were restrictive to the insect attack, while higher level area rows and soybean crop residue were favorable to attack.

KEY-WORDS: Insecticide; underground phitophagus; seed drills; mulch.