Preparation and evaluation of panchagavya and a novel natural termiticidal product for termiticidal activity on Jamun and neem trees

Abstract

Though termites help in soil fertility they cause huge loss to plants and housing. Panchagavya, a bio pesticide is widely used in agriculture as an insecticide but there were no termiticidal studies on the preparation. In the present work, Panchagavya and a novel natural termiticidal product were prepared and investigated against termite infested Jamun and Neem tree stems. When 10ml of Panchagavya was sprayed on these affected trees termites were died within 3-4 minutes. With 10ml of novel termiticidal product spray on the trees all the termites died within 2minutes and 30seconds. Although Panchagavya was found to be effective as termiticidal the prepared novel, natural termiticidal product was found to be more effective as termiticidal compared to the Panchagavya preparation. The inherent mild termiticidal activity of turpentine oil and the fast- acting irritant nature of red Chilli and black Pepper powders may be responsible for more efficacy of this product.