Laboratory Studies on Chromatographic Profile, Toxicity and Repellent Activity of Custard Apple (Annona squamosa L.) Seed Extract

Plant extracts have toxic substances that can kill termites and other insect pests. Many plant extracts including Annona squamosa have been identified for their anti-termiticidal activity. This study aims to determine the chemical profile, toxicity, and repellent activities of petroleum ether extract against Odontotermes anamallensis and Microcerotermes fletcheri. The GC-MS/MS findings of petroleum ether extract of Annona showed the presence of 9-octadecenoic acid (Z)- as the predominant compound followed by Octadecanoic acid, n-Hexadecanoic acid, 9-Octadecenoic acid (Z)-, 2,3-dihydroxypropyl ester. The probit analysis revealed LC50 values of 2.38 per cent and 3.06 per cent for O. anamallensis and M. fletcheri, respectively. Petroleum ether extract showed repellency with the repellency percent of 48.33 and 31.67 by O. anamalensis and M. fletcheri respectively. These findings suggest that Annona seed extract is a viable source of natural insecticides against termites.