Potential of some plant extracts to control termite pest of tea {Camellia sinensis L. (O) Kuntze) plantations of Barak Valley, Assam, India

Abstract

Aqueous extracts (AEs) of Ipomea cornea (Jacq.), Cleome viscose L. and Pavonia glechomifolia L. were evaluated under both laboratory and field conditions against tea termites, Microcerotermes beesoni Snyder and Microtermes obesi Holmgren. The AEs were evaluated at different concentrations ranging from 0.5% to 8%. The Parameters assessed were termiticidal activity and antifeeding activity. All the AEs showed >50% mortality of termites at concentrations between 2% and 8% in vitro, while field evaluation of AEs at 10% concentrations recorded 32-90% termite reduction. More termite control activity was noticed in Ipomea carnea Jacq. as compared to Cleome viscose L. and Pavonia glechomifolia L. under field condition. The AEs caused significant change in termite feeding after 24 hrs in comparison with untreated control. Crude plant extracts of Ipomea carnea, Cleome viscosa and Pavonia glechomifolia can effectively be utilized as safer phytopesticidal products in tea estates as one of the potent tools in integrated termite management.