Potential utilization of Indonesian plant extracts for biothermicide to control subterranean termite attack (Coptotermes spp.): a review article

Abstract

The control of subterranean termite Coptotermes spp. infestation of low-durability wood species still depends on synthetic chemicals and has a negative impact because it is difficult to degrade into the environmental. Mega-biodiversity of Indonesia’s tropical rainforests presents a rich variety of plants with potential utilization, especially plant extracts that have anti-termite properties. The application of plant extracts with potential anti-termite bioactivity can be a more environmentally friendly alternative for natural wood preservation. This research uses the literature review method. The data obtained came from a search of national journal studies published on Google Scholar in the last 10 years. The results showed that the plant extracts used from the preservative formulation at the optimum concentration can produce the largest percentage of mortality and the smallest weight loss. Preserving wood with plant extracts from low durability class wood species used as test wood such as sengon, rubber, bayur, and durian can increase the classification of wood resistance becoming to grade I-II, indicate resistant and strongly resistant for subterranean termite attack. The three major secondary metabolite compounds from extracts plant used as wood preservatives are alkaloids, flavonoids and terpenoids. These components have the potential to provide toxic properties to wood destroying organisms.