Citrus maxima (Pomelo) Ethanolic Leaf Extract Termiticidal Activity Against Drywood Termites (Isoptera: Kalotermitidae)

Abstract

Due to the tropical climate of the Philippines, dry wood termites thrive in the environment, causing structural damage to homes and buildings. As a result, synthetic termiticides are widely used to combat these pests. However, it has been discovered that they harm humans and the environment. For these reasons, the researchers aimed to investigate the efficacy of an organic termiticide derived from Pomelo leaves, which could serve as an alternative and be used in efficient termite control. In this study, experimental research was used. A total of 150 dry wood termites were collected to test 5 groups of samples: 3 different concentrations of extract (25%, 50%, and 75%) and two controls: one positive (Leadrex) and one harmful (water). The effectiveness of the Pomelo leaf extract was tested by spraying the extract on the termites and observing them for 30 minutes. The basis for this experimental study was the number of dead termites and the time it took to eliminate them.

Percentage of mortality and Analysis of Variance (One-Way ANOVA) was utilized as the study’s statistical treatment. The Pomelo leaf extract's three concentration levels (25%, 50%, and 75%) all showed significant termiticidal activity against dry wood termites across three testing trials. The 25% concentration level recorded an efficacy rate of 26.67%, while the 50% concentration had a 53.33% efficacy rate. Both recorded an average time of efficacy of 30 minutes. Meanwhile, the 75% concentration recorded a 100% efficacy rate with an average time efficacy of 5 minutes and 50 seconds, significantly faster than the positive control, which recorded a 100% efficacy rate in 7 minutes and 34 seconds. The result shows that Pomelo (Citrus maxima) demonstrated termiticidal activity against dry wood termites. Higher extract concentrations were more effective than the lower concentrations (25% and 50%). Synthetic termiticide (Leadrex) and Pomelo-based termiticide are both effective. However, the 75% concentration of Pomelo leaf extract was faster by 1 minute and 44 seconds.