*2.2.3 Damage*

Under field conditions, the termites (*M.* obesi) are predominant insect pests causing severe losses in irrigated areas to about 20–40% [11]. In severe conditions, the yield losses might reach up to 40–80% due to this pest [4]. The termites infest wheat crop in Rabi season most of the time soon after sowing to maturity stages [12]. Young workers chew the young and tender part of the wheat plant resulting in dislodgment of seedlings. The mature stage of the wheat plant is also damaged by the workers of the termites causing the plant to dry and produce white ears at earhead stage [13].
