EFFICACY OF PLANTS EXTRACTS: SUBTERRANEAN TERMITES CONTROL IN PAKISTAN

Present study was carried out to determine the anti- termitic activity of three local extracts plants Curcuma longa, Nerium indicum and Melia azedarach, against Heterotermes indicola (Wasmann) in Pakistan. Anti-termitic activity was evaluated by conducting bio-assays in the laboratory by Choice, No choice and Soil barrier methods. Results revealed that during choice test, all extracts proved to be repellent while in No-choice test extracts proved to be toxic. There was significant difference in mortality between direct and indirect exposure test as P=0.0490, P= 0.0456 and P=0.0391 for Turmeric, Oleander and Derek extracts respectively. In order to find the barrier potential of these extracts, soil barrier test was conducted, at higher concentrations of the extracts barriers were not penetrated by termites, but at lower concentration of Nerium indicum and Melia azedarach extracts few tunnels were built at the barrier site. Pattern of edge-effect was also evident. Turmeric extract was found to be more efficient in soil treatments to protect a food substrate against termites as termites did not cross the barrier at both concentrations.