Bioresources of Termiticides from Junipers (Juniperus ashei and J. virginiana)

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The control of termites is a major problem in the United States. At present, the principal wood preservatives used are inorganic arsenic compounds, pentachlorophenol and creosote. These agents are toxic, carcinogenic and environmentally hazardous. Preliminary research has revealed that the heartwood and leaf of the junipers (Junipers) have high termiticidal activity. The proposed research will use a biological assay to isolate the active termiticidal component(s) from extracts of the heartwood and leaves of J. ashei and J. virginiana, two species which are currently harvested for the production of cedarwood oil. The termicitidal activity of the most active fractions will be compared to that of commercial termiticides. The yields will be determined from whole trees in order to asses the economic feasibility of the procedure. If successful, the research will lead to the preparation of a new, superior class of termiticides from and under-utilized plant.