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.