Use of extract of Acmella oleracea (L.) R.K. Jansen (Asteraceae) - jambu as a natural insecticide to control termites

• DOI: https://doi.org/10.22533/at.ed.8134124020110

• Palavras-chave: Jambu extract; pest control; social insects.

• Keywords: Jambu extract; pest control; social insects.

• Abstract:

  Many plants have great insecticidal capacity due to their secondary defensive metabolism. This metabolism can act against insect herbivory, replacing artificial insecticides, which are still predominant in Brazil. With the increase in interest in organic products, natural pesticides are gaining more space among consumers, however, these products still require in-depth studies to test their efficiency. The jambu (Acmella oleracea) belonging to the Asteraceae family, it is a medicinal herb that owes its anesthetic properties to an antiseptic alkaloid, called spilanthol. The effectiveness of Amazonian plants as a natural insecticide or repellent against insect pests has been explored and tested, whether in the form of extracts, powders, macerates or oils. Therefore, this study aims to evaluate the efficiency of the aqueous extract of Acmella oleracea with spilanthol oil as a natural insecticide on termites in urban areas. The experiment was carried out in Belém, Pará, during the months of January and February 2014 with repetition in July 2020 and was carried out in termite infestations in homes in the urban area. The use of jambu extract on termites showed promise, killing 100% of Heterotermes tenuis in about 30 minutes and Nasutitermes sp. within 45 minutes after application.