Termiticidal activities of few plant extracts against Macrotermes subhyalinus smeathman and Trinervitermes geminatus wasmann (Isoptera: Termitidae) survival

Abstract

Termites are most pestiferous insects causing damage to crop and buildings. Their control still relies mainly on harmful chemical pesticides to the detriment of eco-friendly pesticides. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of three plant extracts on the survival rate of termite species, Macrotermes subhyalinus Smeathman and Trinervitermes geminatus Wasmann, known to cause damage to crops, vegetation and buildings in Togo. Cissus quadrangularis (Vitaceae), Pennisetum purpureum Schumach (Poaceae) and Vetiveria zizanoides Nash (Poaceae) extracts were examined for their termiticidal activity against these termites. Three formulations including acetone and hexane extracts and powder were prepared for each plant species at five different concentrations. Six replicas were made for each tested concentration with 30 workers per replica in the laboratory conditions. All the tested plants showed termiticidal activities by reducing the rate of survival duration of tested termites. The powder of V. zizanoides was very effective on M. subhyalinus; its lowest concentration (5 mg/cm 2 ) reduced the survival rate of this termite by up to 87%. Among the extracts, acetone extract of P. purpureum caused the highest reduction of M. subhyalinus survival rate at higher concentration. Both acetone and hexane extracts of V. zizanoides were very effective on T. geminatus, reducing by more than 90% survival rate of this termite. Although these plants extract seem to bear potential termiticidal activity, however, further studies need to be carried out in order to determine their respective components.

Evaluation des méthodes de piégeage des termites au nord du Burkina Faso

“…Selon Kaiser (2010), durant toute l'année, la température interne des termitières de Macrotermes bellicosus est constamment de 30 °C avec un taux d'humidité proche de la saturation. Kasseney et al (2016) disent également que l'acclimatation des Macrotermes subhyalinus au laboratoire doit respecter un certain nombre de conditions dont une humidité relative de 70% et une température de 28 °C. On pourrait donc dire que les termites du genre Macrotermes sont sensibles aux variations de température et d'humidité relative d'où la variation observée au niveau des saisons.…”

Efficacy of Anti-termite Extracts from Four Saharan Plants against the Harvester Termite, Anacanthotermes ochraceus

“…With the restriction of synthetic chemical use, termite control is currently focusing on various safer strategies. A wide range of toxic plants, repellent, or have some anti-feeding properties are considered as being insecticidal (Dodji et al, 2016).…”