Vol. 11, Special Issue 5 (2022)

Author(s):
Rajavel DS and P Mareeswari

Abstract:
Field experiments were conducted to evaluate the efficacy of certain eco-friendly treatments for the management of subterranean termites Odontotermes wallonensis in Aonla and Ber trees. The treatments include application of leaf powders of Calotropis , Vitex, Tulsi, Vinca, Neem @ 50 gm/tree, swabbing with neem oil, lime, coal tar and Nimbecidine spray (1ml / lit). Number of termite galleries, length of galleries and number of termites per gallery were recorded both in Aonla and Ber trees. Termite incidence was high in Aonla compared to Ber. In Aonla trees Calotropis leaf powder and Vinca leaf powder recorded lowest number of galleries (1.4 and 1.4), length of gallery (7.0 and 6.2 cm) and number of termites per gallery (12.0 and 12.0). Untreated check had the highest incidence. In Ber trees Vinca leaf powder and Tulsi leaf powder recorded lowest number of galleries (1.4 and 1.8). Length of galleries was minimum (5.0cm) in nimbecidine spray and maximum (12.2 cm) in untreated check. Lowest number of termites per gallery was recorded in Vinca leaf powder (7.0) followed by Tulsi leaf powder (9.0) and nimbecidine spray (9.0). Vinca leaf powder @ 50 gm/tree was effective against termites both in Aonla and Ber trees.