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Termites (mainly Coptotermes curvignathus) are a serious pest of Malaysian rubber, especially on immature blocks (year 1 to 5) and on blocks near forest edges or old stumps. They tunnel into the root collar and trunk from the inside, often killing young trees before external symptoms appear.

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Cause

  • Old rubber stumps or dead wood in the block (primary nesting sites)
  • Adjacent forest or reserves
  • Newly-planted blocks with tender bark
  • Dry season stress that weakens tree defenses
  • Poor land preparation (stumps left in the ground)

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Effect

Field signs:
  • Mud tubes on the trunk running up from the ground (diagnostic)
  • Hollow sound when tapping the trunk with a knife handle
  • Hollowed collar revealed by scraping
  • Sudden wilt of a young tree with no root disease sign
  • Sawdust-like frass at the base

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Satellite signals

On immature blocks, cluster mortality shows as bare patches. Not detectable at Sentinel scale on mature stands.

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Action

1

Confirm on the trunk

Mud tubes on the trunk are diagnostic. Scrape the collar of any wilted young tree to confirm hollowing and termite presence.
2

Baiting stations (preferred)

Install termite bait stations (fipronil or chlorfluazuron-based commercial products) at the base of affected trees and around the perimeter. Bait is the modern standard because it eliminates the colony, not just individual foragers.
3

Soil drench (severe outbreaks)

For severe outbreaks, drench soil around the collar with fipronil or imidacloprid at label rates. Follow current MRB advisories and PPE requirements.
4

Remove nesting reservoirs

Uproot and burn old stumps, dead wood, and cut logs. This is the single most important preventive measure.
5

Boundary buffer

On blocks adjacent to forest, maintain a bait-station line along the boundary and inspect quarterly.