Efficacy of neem seed extracts in the protection of Mangifera indica wood against Microcerotermes beesoni Snyder (Isoptera: Termitidae) in laboratory.
Pradeep Sharma, Ayyar K. S., Bhandari R. S., Rana S. S., Joshi M. C.
Author Affiliation: Forest Research Institute, Dehra Dun, U.P., India.
Annals of Forestry 6 : 89-94
Abstract : The neem seed kernel extracts tested were prepared by ethanolic extraction of kernels, concentration of the ethanolic extract, preparation of a fat-free methanol extract from the concentrate, and esterification of the acids obtained by hydrolysis of the fat-free extract. The efficacy of the ester fraction (NSEEF) was tested for the protection of the perishable timber of mango (Mangifera indica) in the laboratory against the test termite, Microcerotermes beesoni, by dipping test pieces of the wood in 0.00625-0.025% extract concentrations. NSEEF at 0.025% gave the best protection in terms of the prevention of weight loss, which was 12.5%, compared with 32.5% in untreated controls.