EVALUATION OF TERMITICIDAL PROPERTIES OF CHEMICALLY MODIFIED CASHEW NUT SHELL LIQUID

Abstract

Cashew nut shell liquid (CNSL), a by-product cashew nut processing contains : anarcardic acid, cardanol, cardol & 2 – methyl cardol. Cardanol & cardol were isolated from CNSL using chemical method adopted from Kumar (2002). Preservative was prepared by incorporating copper & chlorine in CNSL, decarboxylated CNSL, cardanol & cardol. its efficacy against termites was compared with commercially available termiticide (chlorpyrifos) Test samples were coated with preservatives formulated, another batch chlorpyrifos & control being wood blocks dipped in distilled water then introduced at ant hills having a nest of Microcerotermes beesoni for 60 days. Keen observations were made on feeding habits of termites on wood samples of Juniperus procera, Grevilea robusta, & Pinus insularis. % weight loss was calculated for each block after termite exposure & knife test carried out to determine the extent of destruction.