Termicidal activities of Jatropha curcas and J. gossypiifolia (Physic nut) seeds against termites, workers and soldiers of Macrotermes subhyalinus L. (Blattodea: Termitidae)
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.32945/atr4711.2025Keywords:
Chlorpyrifos granules, positive control, soldiers, infestation, workersAbstract
The anti-termite potential of Jatropha curcas and J. gossypiifolia seed powders and extracts against termite (workers and soldiers) Macrotermes subhyalinus L, (Blattodea:Termitidae) was investigated under ambient laboratory conditions. Powders were tested at the rate of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15g and extracts were applied at a concentration of 2.5, 5, 7.5, 10, 12.5 and 15% v/v in n-hexane to samples of wood shavings. For each treatment including the control, there were four replications and twenty termites were released into each replicate in a completely randomised design. The results showed that the powders at the tested rates showed termite mortality ranging from 32.5 to 100%. J. curcas seed powder was the most potent against workers and soldiers of M. subhyalinus attaining a greater percentage mortality at 12.5g than J. gossypiifolia, comparable to the positive control (Chlorpyrifos granules), which caused 100% mortality of both soldiers and workers of M. subhyalinus. At 5g application, J. curcas caused 42.5 and 37.5% mortality of worker and soldier termites after 24h of exposure respectively, while J. gossypiifolia evoked 37.5 and 32.5% mortality of worker and soldier termites after 24h of exposure respectively. The n-hexane seed extract of both J. curcas and J. gossypiifolia at 7.5 and 15% concentration, caused 100% mortality of worker and soldier termites after 72h of exposure comparable to the positive control (synthetic chemical insecticide), Chlorpyrifos granules. The results of the J. curcas and J. gossypiifolia seed powders and extracts showed that the plants were effective in preventing termite infestation. Further study is recommended for the characterization and isolation of the chemical ingredients responsible for the insecticidal activity of the seed powders and extracts.
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