Constituents and termiticide potential of some wood extracts against Coptotermes heimi (Wasmann) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae)

Abstract

Wood extractives are one of the main reasons for the resistance of wood to termite attack. A study was carried out to determine the chemical constituents of wood extractives from Pinus roxburghii Sargent, Morus alba L. and Eucalyptus camaldulensis Dehnh against Coptotermes heimi (Wasmann) under laboratory conditions in Forman Christian College University (Lahor, Pakistan) in June 2015. Gas chromatography-mass spectrometry of wood extractives of P. roxburghii detected 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester and octadecanoic acid (methyl ester). Hexadecanoic acid (methyl ester) and 1-methyl-3-(1-methylethyl)-benzene were present in M. alba in addition to the compounds present in P. roxburghii and in E. camaldulensis 1,2-benzenedicarboxylic acid, mono (2-ethylhexyl) ester and β-phellandrene were also present. Based on the feeding activity, wood extracts were arranged in descending order of preference; P. roxburghii > M. alba >E. camaldulensis. Extracts of P. roxburghii, M. alba and E. camaldulensis proved repellent at higher concentrations, with tunneling activity almost fully inhibited. So these could prove useful in developing a soil barrier to block termite activity and serve as a replacement to synthetic chemicals.

Keywords

• Barrier,Eucalyptus camaldulensis,extractives,Morus alba,Pinus roxburghii,wood

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