Termiticidal Efficacy of Citrus Peel Extracts against Termites (Macrotermes bellicosus)

Abstract

Termiticidal efficacy of Citrus sinensis, Citrus limon and Citrus aurantifolia peels extracts against termites (Macrotermes bellicocus) was carried out in an attempt to ascertain the mortality and LC50, of the termites using 0.21% of distilled water as a negative control. The experiment was replicated trice with distilled water as an untreated control. The termiticidal effects (mortality) of the Citrus plant extracts on the termites showed no significant difference (p>0.05; F = 1.57) as the concentration increased from 10 - 30%. Also there was significant difference (p<0.05; F = 29.39) in the mortality of the termites as the time of exposure increased from 24 - 72 hrs. Extract of C. aurantifolia caused more mortality that C. sinensis and C. limon. C. aurantifolia, C. sinensis and C. limon exhibited an LC50 of 17.50, 17.50 and 12.90 mgL-1. These plant extracts could serve as alternatives to synthetic insecticides in termite management practices because they are biodegradable, cost effective and non-toxic to environment and human health, easy to prepare and readily available in local markets in Delta State, Nigeria.