Abstract
In the present investigation various bioassays were conducted to evaluate the anti-termite efficacy of plant latex based formulations to control population of Indian white termite in subtropical soil. Results reveal that crude latex, its fractions and combinatorial fractions have shown very high toxicity against O. obesus. The LD50 values for different latex fractions of 24 h were in a range of 5.0-17.613 μg/mg while combined mixtures of Calotropis procera have shown synergistic activity against termites and caused comparably high mortality with LD50 1.987-6.016 μg/mg. The mortality rate was found dose and time dependent as it was found to be increased with an increase in dose and exposure period. In olfactometry tests, C. procera latex solvent fractions have shown significant repellency at a very low dose 0.010-0.320 μg/mg. Interestingly, solvent fractions have significantly repelled large numbers of worker termites due to volatile action of active components of latex and different additives. ED50 values obtained in crude latex were 0.121 μg/mg body weights while combinatorial formulations have shown ED50 in between 0.015-0.036 μg/mg. Statistical analysis of repelled and un-repelled termites gave a low Chi-square value (X2 value = 0.890) which is an indicator of independence of repellent action in randomly selected termite groups. In field experiments pre-soaked cotton threads impregnated with Calotropis procera crude latex were tagged around tree trunks of Tectona grandis provided a wider protection against O. obesus. By employing these pre-coated threads, termite infestation and tunneling activity were significantly decreased (p Calotropis procera possesses enough anti-termite potential against Indian white termite, O. obesus population. If used these, formulations may also provide wide a range of control against other kinds of pests including house hold, medical and veterinary. However, Calotropis procera latex based formulations can be recommended for effective control of termites in high infestation areas by applying spray, or in form of poison baits or as fumigant in pure form.
Highlights
Termites are highly destructive polyphagous insect pests of crop plants, which damage green foliages, seedlings, wood, fibers, and other household cellulose based materials
These newly designed and prepared latex based formulations were used in various bioassays in laboratory and in field experiments to control termite infestation caused by Indian white termite, Odontotermes obesus Rambur (Isoptera: Odontotermitidae)
Toxic and repellent responses of various latex fractions, crude latex and its various combinatorial formulations were applied against Indian white termite O. obesus in the crop field and laboratory
Summary
Termites are highly destructive polyphagous insect pests of crop plants, which damage green foliages, seedlings, wood, fibers, and other household cellulose based materials. Most of field termites live in huge mounds, invade green vegetation and dry biomass Both worker and soldier termites harm non-seasoned commercial wood and its formed materials. Latex based termite formulations were prepared by using different additives which acted as synergists with the natural latex obtained from Calotropis procera These newly designed and prepared latex based formulations were used in various bioassays in laboratory and in field experiments to control termite infestation caused by Indian white termite, Odontotermes obesus Rambur (Isoptera: Odontotermitidae). For this purpose, wood seasoning, spray, tag binding, soil treatments were done to evaluate the insecticidal and repellent potential of above formulations
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