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.