Chemistry of Trail Pheromones from Cubitermes Termites (Amitermes dentatus): An Innovation in Pest Management

Abstract

Trail pheromones were extracted with petroleum ether from the sternal gland near the anterior portion of the fifth abdominal sternit of cubitermes termites (Amitermes dentatus) and fourteen pheromonal compounds were characterised using Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC/MS) Technique in combination with Fourier Transform-Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The compounds analysed include     ethylbenzene (6.70%), 3,4-dimethylheptane (6.32%), decane (6.87%), 2,7-dimethyloctane (12.28%), 2-methylundecane (19.00%), 3-methylnonane (5.14 %), 2,6-dimethyloctane (4.23%), undecane (11.44 %), 2-methyldecane (3.94%), methyl decanoate (2.35%), 14-octadecenoic acid methyl ester (10.71%), heptacosanoic acid methyl ester (1.88%), 2-butyloctan-1-ol (3.45%) and E-2-octadecadecen-1-ol (5.70%). FT-IR analysis of the extract showed peaks at 1460.16 (CH3 bending), 1549.86 (C C), 1636.65 (C C), 2866.32 (C H), 2934.79 (C H) and 3426.66 (O H) cm-1 indicating the presence of alkane, aromatic, alkene and alcoholic compounds in the extract. These compounds consist of 69.22% hydrocarbon, 14.94% ester, 9.15% alcohol and 6.70% aromatic compound. The highest component was 2-methylundecane followed by 2,7-dimethyloctane. This examination has revealed that the trail pheromone in termites is not just a single compound but a mixture of compounds. The synthetic forms of these semiochemicals might be applied in luring and mass trapping termites for possible extermination. This method of pest control ensures environmental friendliness as the problems posed by dangerous chemicals are eradicated.