Tithonia spells trouble for termites

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Date
1998
Language
en
Type
News Item
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Open Access
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Citation
CTA. 1998. Tithonia spells trouble for termites. Spore 75. CTA, Wageningen, The Netherlands.
Permanent link to cite or share this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/48083
External link to download this item: https://hdl.handle.net/10568/99615
Abstract/Description
Farmers working with the Kenya Woodfuel and Agroforestry Programme (KWAP) have identified a local shrub as having potential to help control termite infestations. Farmers, involved in the project as part of a 'participatory rural appraisal' approach...
Notes
Farmers working with the Kenya Woodfuel and Agroforestry Programme (KWAP) have identified a local shrub as having potential to help control termite infestations. Farmers, involved in the project as part of a 'participatory rural appraisal' approach identified termites as a serious problem on their farms. One farmer's experiment, making a tea from either fresh leaves or the ash of Tithonia diversifolia (also known as tree marigold, or wild sunflower), Cassia siamea and Cassia spectabilis and applying it to affected trees, provided protection from termites for up to 45 days. Another farmer, who had a problem with underground termites, made a solution based on fermented extracts of Tithonia diversifolia and Melia azedarach, which controlled the pests when poured into their nests. After two years of research, farm results showed the most effective treatment to be a solution made from Tithonia diversifolia, Vernonia amygdalina and Agave sisalana. Not only did this solution control termites, but it also contributed to soil fertility. Using these local resources avoided the need to purchase chemical pesticides. Moreover, farmers were reported as being enthusiastic about the use of Tithonia and its effectiveness. Source: ILEIA Newsletter, December 1997. ILEIA PO Box 64 3830 AB Leusden The Netherlands. Fax: + 31 33 494 0791 Email:/ileia@antenna.nl http://www.agricta.org/Spore/spore75
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