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September 10, 2025

The structure and chemical composition of the fungus combs from the mound-building termite Odontotermes obesus (Rambur).

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The investigation found that the fungus comb contains 44.65% moisture and 11.53% organic carbon, highlighting its composition.
Chemical analysis revealed that fungal combs had a pH of 4.99 and specific nutrient ratios, indicating their roles in the ecosystem.
The colony produces these combs from excretory pellets, showing the importance of bioturbation by Odontotermes obesus in nutrient cycling.
Studying these combs enhances our understanding of soil health and pest management in agricultural contexts.

Resumen

The mound-building termite Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) belongs to the subfamily Macrotermitinae, family Termitidae, and Order Isoptera. Termites are ecosystem engineers and involve bioturbation, especially in tropical and subtropical regions. O. obesus is widely distributed and considered a significant pest of agricultural and horticultural crops, forest plantations and woodworks. The colony inmates deposit the excretory pellets (partially digested cellulose and lignin) in the unilocular fungal chambers of the nest to cultivate the fungal garden (round or irregularly shaped) for further digestion. The combs are situated close to the base of the mounds. The mean weight of the fungal comb in a dissected mound was 3.68 ± 1.56 kg. The eggs, early developing nymphs, workers and soldiers were in the combs. The ratio of workers, soldiers and nymphs varies. The investigation revealed that the fungus comb, contains 44.65 % moisture with 4.99 pH and 0.56mmhos/cm EC. 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