Potential of upuna borneensis and Shorea longisperma seed extracts against Coptotermes gestroi

Abstract

Toxicity and repellency of Upuna borneensis and Shorea longisperma seed extracts were evaluated against the subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi. Chemical composition of the seed extracts was examined by GC-MS. A total of 17 compounds were extracted from the cotyledon of S. longisperma and another 17 were obtained from the seed coat whereas 12 and 14 compounds were extracted from the cotyledon and seed coat of U. borneensis respectively. The major compound in S. longisperma cotyledon extract was Germacra-4(15),5,10(14)-trien-1-alpha-ol, while the major compounds in seed coat extract were Dihydro-eugenol acetate, ß-Thujaplicinol and Torulosol. Upuna borneensis cotyledon extract contained four major compounds: 2,4,6-Trimethoxy-toluene, Syringaldehyde, ß-Cyclocitral and Allo-cedrol, while three compounds were identified from the seed coat extract: 2'-Hydroxyacetophenone, Methyl p-tert-butylphenylacetate and Iso-Jasmone. Cotyledon and seed coat extracts of U. borneensis showed strong repellency against C. gestroi. Conversely, cotyledon and seed coat extracts of S. longisperma, attracted more termites at higher concentrations. The results suggested that extract of wasted seeds might be used as candidates in termite control (repellents, anti-repellent or antifeedant).