Objective: This study evaluates the antitermitic activity of Rosmarinus officinalis and Chenopodium ambrosioides essential oils against Nasutitermes corniger termites.
Theoretical Framework: Termite control is done using pesticides, but many are toxic to the environment and human health. Among termite species, Nasutitermes corniger is considered a pest in urban areas, due to its high destructive power in construction wood and plants.
Method: Essential oils were obtained by hydrodistillation and analyzed by GC-MS. Antitermitic activity was evaluated by bioassay without food choice, at concentrations of 12.5; 25.0; 50.0 and 100 mg/mL, with five repetitions.
Results and Discussion: In the composition of R. officinalis essential oils, 51 compounds were identified representing 99.43% and 99.52% (dry and fresh leaves, respectively), with camphor being the majority. For C. ambrosioides, 29 compounds were identified, representing 93.76% and 95.06% of the compositions (dried and fresh leaves, respectively), and the main constituent of both oils was α-terpinene (63.29% and 57.50%). In the antithermic test, the concentration of 100 mg/mL of R. officinalis showed 100% mortality, while the essential oil of C. ambrosioides showed strong antithermic activity with high mortality from the concentration of 25 mg/mL.
Research Implications: The research presents the antitermitic potential of the essential oils of Rosmarinus officinalis and Chenopodium ambrosioides against Nasutitermes corniger termites.
Originality/Value: The search for new antitermitic products with high biodegradability and low toxicity has become necessary, with essential oils being promising due to their variety of biological properties.
