Genesis of the innovation
The formulation
To prepare the formulation, crush the fruit of the local herb and mix 2 kg of neem leaves. Add 10 liter of water and boil. When the solution reduces to one-fifth, allow it to cool. Filter the solution and dilute it by adding 5 liter of water. This solution can then be sprayed on the standing crop near the lower part of stem nearest to the ground. He advises to repeat the spray thrice at three days interval till the complete control is gained.
The problem
Termites are a serious problem in the less/unirrigated and sandy or sandy loam soils. They are one of the most damaging pest in the tropics and a considerable problem in agriculture, housing and forestry. But the termites also help the food chain by recycling wood for the soil. Fungus growing termites are most dangerous type in agriculture, followed by harvesting termites. Chemical pesticides have commonly been used to control termites but they have adverse effects on the environment.
Prior Art Search reveals that ingredients of the formulation possess larvicidal, nematicidal activity and insecticidal compounds. Similar search in patent literature did not yield any result for the use as an anti-termite. However, the second ingredient Neem (Azadirachta indica A. Juss) has been widely used to control pests since a long time. The leaves and seeds of this plant possess termiticidal and antifeedant effect.
Formulation has been tested against termites in SRISTI laboratory, Ahmedabad, on treated wood of cactus. It was observed that the extract was effective in controlling/eliminating the termites completely. SRISTI also conducted on-farm experimentations in farmers’ fields at Gandhinagar & Ahmedabad districts of Gujarat. The formulation showed significant effect on the termite population, which resulted in reduced damage in different crops.
Termite infestation is major problem in different crops and results in major losses. Nathubhai Patel (65), a farmer from Sabarkantha, has developed a formulation for termite control in groundnut crop.
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