Termites impact on different age of Cocoa (Theobroma cocoa L.) plantations with different fertilizer treatments in semi- deciduous forest zone (Oume, Ivory Coast)

This study was mainly aimed to put in evidence the effect of termite’s attacks in cocoa plantations subjected to natural and anthropogenic factors. The observation of cut trunks, suckers, and cut slits showed the presence of 7 termites genera (Ancistrotermes, Coptotermes, Microtermes, Microcerotermes, Nasutitermes, Pseudacanthotermes and Schedorhinotermes). On a total of 160 cut trunks all fields combined, 38.75% are infested. The slits were abundant in the old cocoa plantations (25 and 30 years) with 38.18% and 25% occurrence, respectively. No significant difference (p>0.05) were observed on the termites activity between the cut trunks, the cut slits, and the suckers. The attacks of Microcerotermes, Coptotermes, Nasutitermes, and Pseudacanthotermes are influenced by the age of cacao plantation  
Keywords: Cocoa cultivation, Suckings, Termites, Trunks, Slit