Comparative efficacy of some environmentally safe botanicals for the control of Sinoxylon senegalense on Acacia seyal logs

Abstract

This study was carried out in Faculty of Forest U. of K. from December 2002 to March 2003. The main objective of this study is to compare the efficacy of the botanicals specifically neem oil (NO), neem Seed Kernel Powder (NSKP), Eucalyptus leaf oil (ELO) with BHC (Benzyne Hexa Chloride) and to determine the impact of these botanicals on infestation by Sinoxylon senegalense Karsch and weight loss of Acacia seyal (Talih) logs as a result of infestation. NSKP at 30% had no significant effect either on number of pores or on weight loss, but NSKP at 40% and at 50% significantly reduced both the number of pores and weight loss of A. seyal as compared to the control. ELO at 20% and NO at 20% significantly reduced infestation by S. senegalense whereas at 10% both oils had no significant effect as compared with control. The present study showed that, at high doses, botanicals were as efficient as BHC, or even more effective than it in controlling infestation by S. senegalense, specially ELO at 15%; NO at 20% and ELO at 20%. Nevertheless, at low doses of botanicals, BHC was more effective than all of botanicals used in controlling infestation of A. seyal logs by S. senegalense. The study revealed that NSKP at 40% and at 50% can be used as a cheap and safe natural insecticide and as a substitute to BHC. Also neem oil and eucalyptus oil at 15% and at 20% can be used as insecticides and as a substitutes to BHC because they were effective, safe and environmentally friendly.