Anti-termite potential of plants selected from the SRISTI database of Grassroots Innovations

Grassroots innovations and traditional knowledge are precious resource which provides solutions for various kinds of problems and local needs. A review of SRISTI database suggest that large number of grassroots practices are being used by the farmers in the field conditions to control the termite (Odontotermes obesus Rambur) attack. In this study, five plant species being used by grassroots innovators in different forms of preparation for termite control in field conditions were selected for efficacy evaluation. Herbal formulations were developed from the aqueous extracts of twig of Aristolochia bracteata Retz. (Aristolochiaceae), twig of Solanum surattense Burm.f. (Solanaceae), leaves of Calotropis procera Ait. f. (Asclepiadaceae), milky latex of Euphorbia tirucalli L. (Euphorbiaceae) and oil of Ricinus communis L. (Euphorbiaceae). Primary screening of the individual extracts, oil and milky latex at 10% concentration shows that C. procera, A. bracteata, R. communis (oil) and E. tirucalli (latex) are having significant effects and caused 100% mortality. However, S. surattense caused 88.89% mortality. Compared to the individual treatments, mixture of extracts of C. procera, A. bracteata, S. surattense, oil of R. communis and milky latex of E. tirucalli showed better results in terms of mortality and hence should be preferred for termite control. The results obtained from the experiments are encouraging and proves efficacy of the plants in control of termite. The formulations based on the above plants could be green alternative for the termite control.