S. K. SINGH AND N. L. MEENA

Field studies were conducted to record the termite species and asses the interaction effect of Vetiveria zizanioides Linnaeus and irrigation against termite population in maize at Nakemte, Ethiopia. Seven termite genera, Coptotermes, Microtermes, Odontotermes, Psedocanthotermes, Macrotermes, Microcerotermes and Trinervitermes were identified causing damage to roots, stem and cobs of maize; among them, were most dominant. Termite management through three levels of vetiver (10, 15&20%and no treatment as control) and irrigation (irrigation& hoeing, only irrigation and no irrigation as control) was evaluated in a randomized block design in factorial arrangement with three replications and effectiveness was recorded after 60 days post-treatment. Vetiver (20%) and irrigation together with hoeing significantly reduced the number of termites (29.77) in comparison to control (154) using bamboo bait method. The maximum yield (22.63 q/ha) was recorded from vetiver (20%) and irrigation with hoeing, followed by that from vetiver (20%) and only irrigation (21.4 q/ha), both being statistically at par.Vetiver (20%) and irrigation & hoeing or vetiver (20%) and only irrigation are recommended for the management of termites in maize.