Fractionation, Derivatization and Termiticidal Activity of Cashew(Anacardium occidentale L.) Nut Shell Liquid Against the Philippine MilkTermite (Coptotermes vastator Light)

Cashew (Anacardium occidentale L.) nut shell liquid (CNSL) from the Philippines and its phenolicconstituents or derivatives, viz., anacardic acid, cardanol and methyl anacardate, were tested for theirtermiticidal activity against the Philippine milk termite (Coptotermes vastator Light) (Isoptera:Rhinotermitidae). Results of the study showed that natural CNSL, anacardic acid, cardanol and methylanacardate have repellent or toxic effects on C. vastator. Behavior of termites exposed to soil treatedwith CNSL showed reduced tunneling activity and increased mortality. Toxic or repellent thresholds ofcardanol and methyl anacardate were comparable to those of other plant extracts such as terpenesand essential oils. Key Words: anacardic acid, cashew nut shell liquid, cardanol,Coptotermes vastator, methyl anacardate, termites, toxicity Abbreviations: CNSL – cashew nut shell liquid, FTIR – Fourier transform infrared Â