The fungus-growing termite is considered a distinct ecological niche because it involves a tripartite symbiosis between the termite host,gut microflora,and the in vitro fungus Termitomyces,which has led to the expansion of highly organized and complex societies among termite colonies.Tripartite symbiosis in fungus-growing termites may promote unique microbes with distinctive metabolic pathways that may serve as valuable resources for developing novel antimicrobial therapeutic options.Recent research on complex tripartite symbioses has revealed a plethora of previously unknown natural products that may have ecological roles in signaling,communication,or defense responses.Natural products produced by symbionts may act as crucial intermediaries between termites and their pathogens by providing direct protection through their biological activities.Herein,we review the state-of-the-art research on both microbes and natural products originated from fungus-growing termite tripartite symbiosis,highlighting the diversity of microbes and the uniqueness of natural product classes and their bioactivities.Additionally,we emphasize future research prospects on fungus-growing termite related microorganisms,with a particular focus on their potential roles in bioactive product discovery。
Muhammad ShoaibRuining BaiShuai LiYan XieYulong ShenJinfeng Ni
Cocoa farming faces numerous constraints that affect production levels. Among these constraints are termites, one of the biggest scourges in tropical agriculture and agroforestry. The aim of this study is to assess the level of damage caused by termites in cocoa plantations. To this end, 3 plantations were selected. In each of the 3 plantations, 18 plots containing an average of 47 ± 6 cocoa plants were delimited. Sampling was based on 25 cocoa plants per plot. The study consisted in sampling the termites observed on the plants and noting the type of damage caused by them, taking into account the density of the harvest veneers and, above all, the termites’ progress through the anatomical structures of the plant, i.e. the bark, sapwood and heartwood. A total of 8 termite species were collected from cocoa plants. These species are responsible for four types of damage (D1, D2, D3 and D4), grouped into minor damage (D1 and D2) and major damage (D3 and D4). D1 damage ranged from 24.67% ± 5.64% to 39.55% ± 7.43%. D2 damage ranged from 6.88% ± 1.31% to 9.33% ± 2.79%. D3 damage ranged from 2.88% ± 1.55% to 6.44% ± 1.55%. D4 damage ranged from 1.11% ± 1% to 3.11% ± 1.37%. Among the termite species collected, Microcerotermes sp, C. sjostedti, A. crucifer and P. militaris were the most formidable on cocoa trees in our study locality. In view of the extensive damage caused by termites, biological control measures should be considered, using insecticidal plants.
Yao Martin SiapoEhui Joachim AnoYao Kan Séraphin DibyAnnick Yamousso Tahiri
