author(s)
Amrutha M and Vimala K John

abstract
Basil (Ocimum basilicum) is known for their natural ability to repel insects and for their insecticidal activity. Feeding deterrence ability of Basil oil nanoemulsion against American Cockroaches (Periplaneta americana) was evaluated. Choice feeding assay was used to evaluate the repellency of basil oil nanoemulsion to cockroaches. Biochemical analysis was also done to analyse pathological effect of basil oil nanoemulsion on cockroaches. The entire assays showed that the cockroaches were deterrent to basil oil nanoemulsion containing feed. The biochemical analysis was done to analyse the total carbohydrates, acid and alkaline Phosphatase amount in the cockroaches. Acid and alkaline phosphatase amount was found to be higher than that of control showing increased lysosomal activity which is a pathological condition. Thus, it can be concluded that the basil oil nanoemulsion is an active feeding deterrent.