Toxicity, tunneling and feeding behavior of the termite, Coptotermes vastator, in sand treated with oil of the physic nut, Jatropha curcas.
Oil of the physic nut, Jatropha curcas L. (Malpighiales: Euphorbiaceae), was evaluated in the laboratory for its barrier and repellent activity against the Philippine milk termite Coptotermes vastator Light (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae). The study showed that J. curcas oil had anti-feeding effect, induced reduction in tunneling activity and increased mortality in C. vastator. Behavior of termites exposed to sand treated with J. curcas oil indicated that it is toxic or repellent to C. vastator. Toxicity and repellent thresholds, were higher than those reported for other naturally occurring compounds tested against the Formosan subterranean termite.
Acda
Menandro N
MN
Dept of Forest Products and Paper Science, College of Forestry and Natural Resources, University of the Philippines Los Banos, College, Laguna 4031, Philippines. mnacda@yahoo.com
D000818:Animals; D001522:Behavior, Animal / Q000187:drug effects*; D005247:Feeding Behavior / Q000187:drug effects; D007300:Insect Control / Q000379:methods*; D007302:Insect Repellents / Q000494:pharmacology*; D020049:Isoptera / Q000187:drug effects / Q000502:physiology*; D031286:Jatropha / Q000737:chemistry*; D010938:Plant Oils / Q000494:pharmacology*; D012822:Silicon Dioxide
D007302:Insect Repellents; D010938:Plant Oils; D012822:Silicon Dioxide