Insecticidal Property of Acacia Seeds and Bark Against Termites

Insecticidal Property of Acacia (Samanea saman) Seeds and Bark Against Termites (Coptotermes vastator). A study on the insecticidal property of Acacia seeds and bark against termites was conducted to find out if these could be used against termites. The experiment was conducted at the laboratory of the Bureau of Soils in Lipa City and in Lumbang National High School from September to October 2005. The effort was initiated to enrich the laboratory activities in Chemistry and Biology for high school students.

It especially attempted to answer the following questions:

• How can insecticides be prepared from Acacia seeds and bark?
• How effective is the Acacia insecticide in combating or killing termites (Coptotermes vastator);
• Are there significant differences in the effectiveness of the ethanolic Acacia extract and commercial insecticide (Solignum) in combating termites?
• What are the implications of the use of Acacia seeds as insecticide on the environment and human health?

Ethanolic extracts were prepared from the seeds and bark of Acacia collected from areas surrounding Laurel farm in Lumbang, Lipa City. These extracts were used as samples in the qualitative analysis and preliminary screening for insecticidal property against termites. The screening of the ethanolic extracts from Acacia seeds and bark revealed the presence of saponin, tannins, alkaloids, reducing agents – glycosides, carbohydrates, which have the capacity to kill termites. The one-way Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) was used in comparing the means of the effect of the ethanolic extracts against termites. Results were positive, showing the experimental sample to be comparable to Solignum.

Materials & Equipment




Further clarification of the procedures and results should be directed to the researchers and adviser.

Researchers:
P-Jay D. Latorre

Adviser:
Ms. Beatriz R Rubico
Lumbang National High School