Termiticidal and repellency efficacy of botanicals against Odontotermes obesus

Abstract

The repellency effect of Tagetes erecta and Citrus sinensis oil was investigated against termite (Odontotermes obesus). A repellency apparatus was used to conduct the experiments and movement of termites was observed for two and half hours after 15 min interval.The marigold oil repelled maximum 82% termite while orange oil 76% at 6.30 μl/cm2 concentration. However, constant repellency was recorded in last half hour. The present study suggested that marigold and citrus oils have termite repellent potency and can be proved as better, safe and non-toxic green termite control measure. The active components of these oils can also be isolated and tested for the enhanced activity of plant based termiticides. Marigold and citrus oils can also be formulated and commercialized after field testing.