Dynamic environments of fungus-farming termite mounds exert growth-modulating effects on fungal crop parasites.

This study investigated for the first time the impact of the internal mound environment of fungus-growing termites on the growth of fungal crop parasites. Mounds of the termite Odontotermes obesus acted as (i) temperature and relative humidity (RH) 'stabilisers' showing dampened daily variation and (ii) 'extreme environments' exhibiting elevated RH and CO levels, compared to the outside. Yet, internal temperatures exhibited seasonal dynamics as did daily and seasonal CO levels.

Fungus-Farming Termites Selectively Bury Weedy Fungi that Smell Different from Crop Fungi.

Mutualistic associations such as the fungal farms of insects are prone to parasitism and are consequently vulnerable to attack by weeds and pests. Therefore, efficient farm management requires quick detection of weeds for their elimination. Furthermore, if the available weedicides are non-specific, then the ability of insects to discriminate between crop and weeds becomes essential for targeted application of such compounds.