Insecticidal properties of stem extracts of Tinospora crispa (Family: Menispermaceae) towards Macrotermes gilvus (Isoptera: Termitidae)

Macrotermes gilvus is a termite that is one of the most important pest species in wooden structures, rubber and oil palm plantation. A study was done to test the toxicity effect of the plant Tinospora crispa against M. gilvus. Termites were subjected to  stem extract of concentration 1000 ppm, 5000 ppm, 10000 ppm, 20000 ppm, 50000 ppm, 60000 ppm, 70000 ppm and control. The results revealed that for worker termites 60000 ppm is the most effective dosage to cause 50% mortality within 12 hours while 100% mortality was reached within 31 hours. The soldier termites were stronger with 50% mortality occurred at 18 hours while 100% mortality was reached 42 hours after treatment. The LD50 value for worker and soldier termite at 24 hours were 47 mg/termite and 74.56 mg/termite respectively. GCMS analysis showed that 12-Pentadecanone, 6,10,14-trimethyl, 1-(+)-Ascorbic acid 2,6-dihexadecanoate, Phytol, 1,2-Benzenedicarboxylic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, Butylated hydroxytoluene, 1-Heptacosanol and Dotriacontane were major compounds in T. crispa extract. This study shows that stems extract of Tinospora crispa has insecticidal property towards  Macrotermes gilvus.