Efficacy of karanjin and phorbol ester fraction against termites (Odontotermes obesus)

The non-edible oil seeds of Jatropha curcas (physic nut) and Pongamia pinnata (karanja) contain some toxic components (phorbol esters in J. curcas and karanjin in P. pinnata), which may be used as biopesticides. In this study, the active components of J. curcas and P. pinnata oil were extracted and their efficacy against the termites Odontotermes obesus (Rambur), was tested. The phorbol ester fraction of J. curcas and karanjin of P. pinnata oil were found to be effective against termites. A mortality rate of 100% was achieved in 6 h with karanjin and in 12 h with phorbol ester fraction. The LC50 levels of karanjin and phorbol esters fractions were 0.038 and 0.071 g ml−1, respectively, after 24 h at a 95% (0.05) confidence limit.

► The potential of non-edible oils as biopesticides has been evaluated.
► The active components (karanjin of Karanja oil and phorbol esters of Jatropha oil) were extracted and characterized.
► Their efficacy was tested at different concentrations against termite, Odontotermes obesus.
► LC 50 of both the active components was calculated.
► Both the active components were found to be toxic and karanjin was found to be more effective.