Physiochemical Characterization and Evaluation of Insecticidal Activities of Delonix Regia Seed oil against Termite (Odontotermes obesus), Ticks (Ixodes scapularis) and Cockroach (Blattella germanica)

Abstract

Plant produces large number of compounds as secondary metabolites with complex structure and diversity with a potent insecticidal activity. Large number of plants has been identified so far for their insecticidal property and can be used as an alternative pest management for synthetic pesticides. The present study reports the physiochemical characterization and biocide from delonix regia seeds oil. The biocide potential of the seeds oil was evaluated against termite (Odontotermes obesus), tick (Ixodes scapularis) and cockroach (Blattella germanica). The bioassay study showed that Delonix regia 10% oil caused 100% mortality in 32 hrs, 41 hrs and 50 hrs against termite, tick and cockroach, respectively. The LD₅₀ was determined to be 0.574%, 0.753% and 1.12% for termite, tick and cockroach, respectively for delonix regia oil after 32 hrs exposure. The biocidal potential of the oil is statistically significant (p < 0.05) when compared with blank and solvent controls at all concentration tested. Physicochemical parameters were also evaluated in accordance with American standard testing method specifications.

Keywords: Anti-Termite, Anti-Tick, Anti-Cockroach, Biopesticide, Physicochemical Parameters