Toxicity effect of Persicaria odorata (Caryophylalles: Plygonaceae) and Etlingera elatior (Zingiberalles: Zingiberaceae) against Globitermes sulphureus (Isoptera: Termitidae)

The essential oil of the leaves of weed Persicaria odorata and stem and  flowers of Etlingera elatior were tested against soldier  termites Globitermes sulphureus after 18 hours exposure E. elatior flower has a stronger effect than  the oil of Persicaria odorata. Using Probit analysis the LD50 was 27.87  ppm for E. elatior  flower whereas the LD50 for Persicaria odorata leaves was 48.97 ppm. Termites Globitermes sulphureus mounts are usually  found in rubber Hevea brasiliensis and oil palm Elaeis guineensis plantations.  The flower and leaves of these plants are used in Malaysian dishes thus this study shows the potential of these plants as an alternative botanical insecticides against termites. Analysis using GC-MS and GC-FID identified the candidate compound responsible for the mortality of the termites.