Abstract

ANTI-TERMITE EFFICACY OF VARIOUS PLANT ESSENTIAL OILS WITH SPECIAL REFERENCE TO FAMILY RUTACEAE

Lokpriy Pandey* and Ravi Kant Upadhyay

Abstract

The present review article emphasizes anti-termite efficacy of various plant natural products for control of Indian white termite and its associating species. The Indian white termite, Odontotermes obesus (Rambur) (Isoptera: Odontotermitidae), is highly destructive polyphagous insect pest in Eastern Uttar Pradesh. It damages commercial wood, food crops, orchard plants and house hold articles. Though, several methods have been used to control this termite species in field, but present article explains most recent developments happened in termite control. Present article clarifies seasonal cycle of termite species and suggests use of natural plant products as termiticides to replace synthetic pesticides. As there are reports that residues of synthetic pesticide persist for longer duration in soil system and in aquatic habitat. These enter into the food chain and kill non target organisms. This article found plant essential oils from the family Rutaceae as new alternatives of synthetic pesticides if used in blends or with other natural products. Essential oils are highly volatile at a very low temperature and could be used as fumigants to control household termite population mainly reside inside tunnels, crevices, wood spaces and holes. Plant essential oils and its constituents are safe for the environment and medium. They inhibit metabolism in termites and kill them due to anti-feedant, repellent and toxic action. This article also explains cultural, behavioral, microbial, genetical and biological control of termites to minimize the use of synthetic pesticides so as to save the ecological food chains from poisoning.

Keywords: Termite, Synthetic pesticides, Non target organisms, Biomagnifications, Essential oils.