Evaluation of repelence of Heterotermes tenuis (isoptera, rhinotermitidae) to meliaceae by-products

Abstract

The subterranean termite Heterotermes tenuis is an important pest of sugarcane in Brazil. For the control of this species, which has subterranean colonies, the use of attractive baits with toxicants is being employed. For the success of such strategy, the toxicants need to be non repellent for the insect. Repellency of aqueous extracts of neem (Azadirachta indica) and Trichilia pallida, neem seed oil and Nimkol-Lâ was studied in choice tests, using two different recipients, in laboratory. The by-products of Meliaceae did not promote the termites to close or isolate the tunnels they built in plates with agar. Neither they were repellent except from aqueous extract of neem leaves, which was repelled in one type of the evaluated recipients.