The efficacy of the oleic acid isolated from Cerbera manghas L. seed against a subterranean termite, Coptotermes gestroi Wasmann and a drywood termite, Cryptotermes cynocephalus Light

The efforts in establishing sustainable pest management drive termite control not only focus on termite extermination, but also concern on human health and environmental protection. Bioactive compounds isolated from Bintaro (Cerbera manghas) have been reported to have biological activity against insect such as food deterrent, oviposition and growth inhibitor, and also contact poison. The study on efficacy of oleic acid isolated from C. manghas seed extract against subterranean termite Copmermes gestroiand Drywood termite Clyptotermes cynocephalus has been thoroughly examined. The extraction and separation method yielded ten fractions, with fraction three (F3) as the highest yield. Chemical compound analysis of F3 by Gas Chromatography and Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy showed oleic acid as chemical compound. The bioassay of oleic acid against C. gestroi and C. cynocephalus was evaluated by no-choice feeding test and Indonesia National Standard (SNI) 01-7207-2006 respectively. Oleic acid showed low termicidal activity as it delivered low mortality in both species, and generated lower protection against C. cynocephalus. (C) 2014 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.