Termiticidal and Biochemical Activity of Combinatorial Essential Oil Ingredients of <i>Tagetes erecta</i> on Indian White Termite <i>Odontotermes obesus</i>

Abstract

In present investigation, various bio-molecular parameters i.e. glycogen, protein, amino acid, DNA, RNA and lipid, were determined for evaluation of anti-termite efficacy of Tagetes erecta essential oil based combinatorial formulations against Indian white termite Odontotermes obesus. For this purpose, 40% and 80% of 24 hrs of LD 50 values of various formulations were provided for treatment of termite workers. Observations were taken at 4 hrs time interval up to 16 hrs to know inhibitory activity of these combinatorial mixtures on termite species Odontotermes obesus. Significant (p > 0.05) alterations were observed in the level above mentioned bio-molecules when termites were treated with different combinatorial essential oils ingredients of Citrus maxima. Combinatorial mixtures of Tagetes erecta essential oils have shown synergistic activity against termites. This study will provide an overall sustainable way to termite control in crop field, gardens and houses. It also suggests use of essential oils as better alternative of synthetic termiticides as these are safer for environmental and human health.