Termiticidal Evaluation of Jatropha curcas (Linn), Thevetia peruviana (Pers) and Moringa oleifera (Lam) Seed Extracts on Gmelina arborea (Roxb) and Daniellia oliveri (Rolfe) Wood

Abstract

This study was intended at developing cheap and eco-friendly wood preservatives from Jatropha curcas, Thevetia peruviana and Moringa oleifera seed extracts for the control of termites on Gmelina arborea and Daniellia oliveri wood species. Seeds were collected from Makurdi Timber Shed, dried, and pounded into powder. Seed extracts were prepared using n hexane and hot water extraction methods. The oil extracts were vaporized and 10%, 20% and 30% were constituted. Wooden samples of Gmelina arborea and Daniellia oliveri were cut to 2 cm x 2 cm x 4 cm, air dried for 3 days and soaked in each plant extracts for 24 hours. Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with three replicates was used with a total of 21 treatments including untreated, solvent treated and Solignum treated wood. Phytochemical screening of seed extracts showed the presence of flavonoids and steroids. Incidence of termites attack on Daniellia oliveri wood started from week 3 on 10% Jatropha curcas, Thevetia peruviana, Moringa oleifera oil treated, n hexane treated and untreated. While attack on Gmelina arborea wood started in week 5 on n hexane treated and untreated. Whereas attack on 30% Jatropha curcas, Thevetia peruviana, Moringa oleifera oil treated wood started in week 7. Percentage weight loss of Gmelina arborea wood (17.44%) and Daniellia oliveri wood (25.85%) were least with 30% Thevetia peruviana n hexane treatment compared with unteated Gmelina arborea and Daniellia oliveri wood (58.06% and 69.36%) respectively. It was observed that Gmelina arborea was more resistant to termite attack than Daniellia oliveri.