A Novel Approach for Studying Antitermite Efficacy of Different Leaf Extracts of Thevetia peruviana from Polluted and Non-polluted Sites

A novel method for evaluating antitermite activity was standardized whereby filter papers treated with 50% methanolic, 90% methanolic and aqueous extracts of Thevetia peruviana leaves from polluted and non-polluted sites against Odontotermes obesus. In vivo investigation was carried out and observations were recorded without disturbing the termitorium. 90% methanolic extract was found to be the most effective control for termites, followed by 50% methanolic and aqueous extracts. However, antitermite efficacy was found to be higher in aqueous extracts of samples collected from polluted sites than non-polluted sites. Results were found statistically significant, with the value of Pearson’s Correlation Coefficient ‘r’=-.693. proving the negative correlation between average weight loss and antitermite efficacy.