A Comparative Study of Insecticidal Activity of Leaf Extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC (Rutaceae) Prepared in Polar and Non-Polar Solvents against Termites

Abstract

Plants extracts are rich in phytochemicals and have diverse properties. Odontotermes obesus (Isoptera:Odontotermitidae), the white Indian termite, is a highly destructive polyphagous insect pest cause a great threat to plants, agricultural fields, and structures of economic importance At present time, most of the control measures to control termites rely mainly on synthetic chemicals which are harmful to both the environment and human health. Plants extracts have gained significant attention for their insecticidal properties, offering an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic chemicals. Thus, present research aims to study the insecticidal activity of leaf extracts of Zanthoxylum armatum DC. A comparative study has been done on the efficacy of leaf extracts prepared in polar and non-polar
solvents by contact toxicity test. Solvents used in the preparation of extracts play a crucial role in the extraction of bioactive compounds and also effect the yield, efficiency of plants extracts. In line with this, present work depicts the comparative account of solvents used in preparation of extracts. Results of the present work indicated that leaf extract of Zanthoxylum armatum DC prepared in the polar solvent is most effective as it shows the highest mortality and lowest LC50 value in comparison to non-polar solvent.