Termites are known to impact negatively on agriculture and construction industry imposing great damage to plantations and buildings. Financial loss due to termites infestations in Malaysia was estimated at RM 8- RM 10 million annually (Lee, 2002). The common method in termites control is by the use of emulsifiable concentrate termiticides. Such emulsifiable concentrates (EC) are petrochemicals-based and may pose risks to humans, animals, plants and ecosystem. Current EC-termiticides may cause skin and eye irritations. Recently, the pesticide industry has made a good progress in using low risk, environmental friendly pesticide formulations. There is a growing demand for environmental-friendly water-based pesticide formulations such as palm-based emulsion-in-water (EW) (Ismail et al., 2003; 2007). Palm-based EW consists of pesticides dissolved in water immiscible solvent, dispersed in oil phase droplets in the presence of surfactants. 

Main Research: Dr Ismail Ab Raman

Email: ismail@mpob.gov.my