Phytochemical analysis of termite feed
Test plants, including G. robusta , Eucalyptus, Bamboo, Sugarcane,
Maize, and Cypress were evaluated for the presence of phytochemicals.
Saponins were present in all termite feed substrates, excluding G.
robusta . Eucalyptus had the highest quantities (+++) while sugarcane
had the least (+). (Negri & Tabach, 2013) isolated Saponins inPeriandra dulcis roots an evidence of the presence of saponins in
plants.
Tannins were present in large quantities in sugarcane, G. robustaand Eucalyptus (+++), while Bamboo, cypress and maize were absent. In a
study by Fraga-Corral et al., (2020) recorded that Tanins were found
between 20—70% in plants. Ukoha et al., (2011) also documented that
tannins were present in Samanea saman pods.
Alkaloids are found in many plant species, by Matsuura & Fett-Neto,
(2015). Alkaloids were present in G. robusta and Eucalyptus in
large quantities (+++), while in Bamboo, small quantities were present
(+). Sugarcane, Cypress and maize Alkaloids were absent. (Azzaz et al.,
2019) also documented the presence of Alkaloids in cypress.
Flavonoids were present in Eucalyptus in large quantities (+++) but
absent in the rest. In his study Takahashi et al., (2004) reported that
Eucalyptus maculate had three flavonoids isolated. Sterols were present
in large quantities in Bamboo, Sugarcane and maize (+++) but absent in
Cypress, G. robusta and Eucalyptus.
Resins were present in all the six feed substrates but was found in
large quantities in G. robusta and Eucalyptus (+++) but moderate
in Bamboo, sugarcane, cypress and maize. Simoneit et al., (2019)
documented that Resins were also present in confers.
Triterpenoids were present in cypress only in large quantities (+++) but
were absent in the rest. Cardiac Glycosides were present in Bamboo and
Eucalyptus in large quantities (+++), while cypress had small quanties
(+). Sugarcane, G. robusta , and maize had no Cardiarc glycosides.
Carbohydrates were present in all feed substrates with sugarcane,G. robusta , and maize having large quantities (+++). A Study
conducted by Sandjo & Kuete, (2013) recorded that two medicinal plants,Duboscia macracarpa and Canarium schweinfurthii contained
Triterpenes Dubosic acid, while and Canarene Bamboo and cypress had
carbohydrates in moderate quantities (++). Eucalyptus had carbohydrates
in small quantities. In his study Alves et al., (2010) analysed the
presence of carbohydrates in Eucalyptus. Reducing sugars were found in
maize in large quantities (+++) while bamboo and G.robusta in
small quantities. Cypress and Eucalyptus had non. Reducing sugars
present. Pereira et al., (2017) showed that fructose and Glucose levels
were significantly higher in sugarcane.
Flavones were absent in all the feed substrates, table 6 .
Phenols were present from G. robusta , Maize, and Eucalyptus in
large quantities (+++), while sugarcane had moderate quantities (++).
Cypress had small quantities (+), while bamboo had none Mierziak et al.,
(2014). Flavones play a role in providing colour, Fragrance and taste in
selected plants which makes them attractants for insects, birds and
mammals.