Biocidal Activity of Solanum xanthocarpum Extracts against Odontotermes obesus (Isoptera: Termitidae)

The Indian white termite (Odontotermes obesus), a polyphagous pest known for its damage to construction materials, forest products, and food crops, was used to assess the termiticidal effects of ethanol and aqueous leaf extracts of Solanum xanthocarpum. The plant leaves were dried, powdered, and extracted using ethanol and aqueous solvents in a Soxhlet apparatus for 24 hours. Twenty termites were exposed to various concentrations of ethanol (200, 250, 300, 350, and 400 ppm) and aqueous extracts (300, 350, 400, 450, and 500 ppm). The percentage mortality was recorded after 24 hours. The termiticidal activity of the ethanol extract showed LD10 = 199.53 ppm, LD50 = 300.61 ppm, and LD90 = 398.11 ppm, while the aqueous extract showed LD10 = 309.03 ppm, LD50 = 402.90 ppm, and LD90 = 501.19 ppm. These findings suggest that Solanum xanthocarpum may be a viable natural source for developing eco-friendly termite control agents.