Efficacy of heartwood extractives of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. against subterranean termites

Abstract

Current study was designed to determine toxicity of heartwood extractives of Albizia lebbeck (L.) Benth. (sirin kala) against subterranean termites. Heartwood was extracted in four solvents and tested to compare mortality, antifeedant/repellency and field protection of poplar wooden stakes treated with these extractives. The highest concentration of ethyl acetate extractive proved to be significantly toxic and repellent to termites when compared with other extractives. Poplar stakes were also protected in field exposure to termites when treated with extractive of ethyl acetate whether dip or vacuum-pressure treated. Organic solvent extractives imparted significant low weight loss than control and water extractives in dipping and vacuum-pressure application. Ethyl acetate protected >2 fold as compared to water and other extractives. © 2018, © 2018 IWSc, The Wood Technology Society of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining.