Status of Asian subterranean termites in the sugarcane belt of Fiji

Asian subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi (Wasmann) (AST), has invaded Viti Levu and in late 2009 and early 2010 there was an outbreak mainly in the Lautoka area that caused massive damage to homes and schools. AST is affecting the sugarcane belt areas in Lautoka sectors; Lovu, Lautoka and Drasa. This paper highlights the results of an ongoing survey which is being done through SRIF’s routine roguing inspection to provide status and margins of the termite zone. Every farm within the affected sectors is being inspected for the presence of AST. All communities from Drasa to Saru including Lautoka City have been declared as biosecurity emergency areas under the Biosecurity Emergency Promulgation 2010. The survey result will enable SRIF to closely monitor and modify the certifications of exchange of seed cane within the close localities. Key words Sugarcane, termites, survey, Asian subterranean termites, status, Fiji, Lautoka Mill