Termiticidal activities of plant based chemicals extracted from various wood parts of diverse flora

Abstract:

Termites feed on cellulosic materials in forests, houses and offices causing damage of billions of dollars annually. There are some woody plants which are termite resistant or repellant and are opposed as a dietary source by termites. Such plants certainly have some toxic compounds that kill termites. In the present studies the extracts from different parts (bark, sapwood and heartwood) of stems of three woody plants, Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Delbergia sissoo and Acacia arabicawere taken in three different solvents using soxhelt apparatus. Water, benzene-ethanol (2:1) and chloroform extracts so obtained were included in the feed of termites to observe termiticidal effect. Termite workers were forced to feed upon filter papers impregnated with extracts for one week and studied the comparative effects of different extracts on survival of termites. Results showed that benzene-ethanol (2:1) and chloroform extracts of all parts of three woods proved to be toxic for the termites, as after 72 hours termites showed 100% mortality in every case except control. Where as no mortality was observed in termites fed on filter paper impregnated with water soluble extracts.

Some anti termite chemicals may be present in the three experimental woods which are soluble in organic solvents and can be isolated and recommended for their use as termiticide after comprehensive.

Key Words: Eucalyptus camaldulensis, Anti termite , Acacia arabica, Cellulosic materials, Delbergia sissoo