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SummaryThe alcoholic leaf extract of an Indian medicinal plant, Chirayata, Swertia densifolia(Griseb.) (Gentianaceae), is known to show dose-dependant attractant and repellent properties towards Apis cerana indicaand Apis florea.We now report repellent activity of the essential oil obtained from these leaves on A. cerana indicaF. Chemical examination of the essential oil was carried out by Gas Chromatography—Mass Spectrometry and hitherto unknown chemical constituents were identified as linalool, α-terpineol, stearic acid, hydroquinone and octadecanal. Structural assignments of the first four constituents were confirmed by comparison with the authentic samples. Bioassay of the formulations of linalool and α-terpineol in liquid paraffin showed that they were repellent to A. cerana.Beekeepers might be able to develop repellent formulations based on these findings.

SummaryLeaf extract of an Indian medicinal plant, Chirayata, Swertia densifolia(Griseb.) (Gentianaceae), known to show attractant and repellent properties towards Apis cerana, has been shown to possess similar properties towards Apis florea.Formulations of the extract in liquid paraffin at concentrations of up to 125 mg/ml were repellent and those at higher concentrations were attractant. Beekeepers might be able to develop lures or repellent formulations based on these findings.

SUMMARYLeaf extract of the plant Swertia densifoliawas shown to possess attractant and repellent properties towards honey bees, Apis cerana indica.Formulations in liquid paraffin of lower concentrations were repellent, whereas those of higher concentrations were found to be attractant. Optimization of concentrations for the best attractant and repellent activity was achieved. This would help beekeepers prepare ‘lures’ or ‘repellents’ directly from the leaves.