TERMITE CONTROL TRIAL USING POISON BAIT FROM NERIUM OLEANDER AND TOBACCO EXTRACTS IN ANCIENT SHAN TEA GARDENS IN VAN CHAN COMMUNE, LAO CAI PROVINCE

Abstract

The evaluation of the termite control efficacy of a novel formulation holds not only scientific significance but also considerable practical value. This study was conducted to determine the appropriate concentration of active compounds under laboratory conditions and to establish the optimal bait dosage for controlling termite infestations on ancient Shan tea trees in Van Chan commune, Lao Cai province. Active compounds were isolated using thin-layer chromatography and column chromatography, while termite bioassays were performed immediately after collection to ensure colony vitality. The findings demonstrated that the effective concentration of active compounds derived from Nerium oleander (oleander) and Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) was 6 mg per 10 g of bait. The combined formulation achieved a termite mortality rate of 93.5%, which was higher than when using oleander (86.6%) or tobacco (80.2%) individually. Field trials on Shan tea plantations revealed that termite colonies were eliminated within 15–20 days, with 63.64% of colonies eradicated by day 15 and 36.36% by day 20. The optimal bait requirement per colony ranged from 63.02 g to 80.14 g, with an average of 72.43 g. These results provide a scientific basis for the practical application of botanical extracts in sustainable pest management and plantation protection.