Termicidal activity of two agro wastes against two termite castes, subterranean termites, Macrotermes subhyalinus [Isoptera: Termitidae

Abstract

Toxicity activities of two agricultural wastes, cowpea pod and groundnut shell against worker and soldier termites were investigated under appropriate laboratory conditions (temperature 28±2 °C; 75 ± 5% relative humidity). The agricultural wastes powders were admixed separately at 1 g, 3 g, 6 g, 9 g and 12 g/40 g of wood shaving while wastes extracts was tested at concentrations 1%, 3%, 6%, 9% and 12%/40 g of wood shaving in a 500 ml plastic container. The termiticidal effects of the agricultural waste powders and extracts against worker and soldier termites were examined for 12 and 24 h. Cowpea pod powder caused 100% mortality of workers termite at 12 g after 24 h of exposure. Cowpea pod powder compared to groundnut shell powder was the most toxic to workers and soldiers of termites causing high % mortality at all tested concentrations. Groundnut shell powders also caused 97.5% mortality of soldier termites at concentration 12 g after 24 h of treatment. There were no significant differences (p > 0.05) among the agricultural wastes tested (cowpea pod and groundnut shell extracts) after 24 h of treatment. Cowpea pod extract evoked 100% mortality of workers termite at concentration 9% after 24 h of treatment. Groundnut pod extract was the least toxic to workers and soldiers of termites compared to the effect of cowpea pod extract with higher lethal concentration. The use of agricultural wastes such as cowpea pod and groundnut shell as termiticides will reduce pollution of these wastes in our environment and decrease use of synthetic chemical insecticide.