Journal of Research in Biology
An International Scientific Research Journal
Phytochemical screening and antibacterial study of two medicinal plants
Teucrium capitatium L and Silene vulgaris as a part of ethnobotanical
study of the region of El Hajeb (central Morocco)
Journal of Research in Biology
Authors:
Jalila EL AMRI1,
Khalid EL BADAOUI1,
Touria ZAIR2,
Hayate BOUHARB1,
Said CHAKIR1 and
Taj el molk ALAOUI1
Institution:
1. Laboratoire de
l'Environnement et de la
sant, Facult des Sciences,
Universit Moulay Ismail,
BP 11201 Zitoune , Mekns,
Maroc.
2. Laboratoire de Chimie des
molcules bioactives et de
l'Environnement, Facult des
Sciences, Universit Moulay
Ismail, BP 11201 Zitoune,
Meknes, Maroc
Corresponding author:
Jalila EL AMRI
Web Address:
http://jresearchbiology.com/
documents/RA0496.pdf
Journal of Research in Biology
An International
Scientific Research Journal
ISSN No: Print: 2231 6280; Online: 2231- 6299
Original Research
ABSTRACT:
Objective: This study was performed to screen phytochemical and antibacterial
activity of two different plants Teucrium capitatium L and Silene vulgaris, which were
chosen after an ethnobotanical study to determine the close relationship between
plant species and describe the different types of conditions affecting the population
Methods: A phytochemical screening was performed for the detection of alkaloids,
carbohydrates, flavonoids, phenolic compounds, resin, saponins, steroids, tannins,
terpenoids, proteins, cardiac glycosides, reducing sugars and proteins. Antibacterial
activity was performed against Staphylococcus aureus, Proteus mirabilis, Escherichia
coli, Pseudomonas putida, Pseudomonas arueginosa.
Results: Ethnobotanical study revealed that the disease dermatitis and
gastrointestinal infection tract are most common in the study area In addition, the
results showed that the two plants are used for both diseases. These two selected
plants were screened for the presence of different chemical components ; the plant
Teucrium capitatium L showed a highly significant inhibitory effect against
Staphylococcus aureus ori S and ori R (gram +), while the plant Silene vulgaris has no
anti-microbial activity.
Conclusion: Teucrium capitatium L may act as an anti-microbial agent. The results are
promising and encouraging because there is a strong co-relation between: active
compounds / antibacterial activity.
Keywords:
Teucrium capitatium L, ethnobotany phytochemical, activity, antibacterial
Article Citation:
Jalila EL AMRI, Khalid EL BADAOUI, Touria ZAIR, Hayate BOUHARB, Said CHAKIR and
Taj el molk ALAOUI.
Phytochemical screening and antibacterial study of two medicinal plants
Teucrium capitatium L and Silene vulgaris as a part of ethnobotanical study of the
region of El Hajeb (central Morocco)
Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1720-1725
Dates:
Received: 09 Dec 2015 Accepted: 20 Feb 2015 Published: 16 May 2015
This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/
licenses/by/4.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-commercial, distribution and
reproduction in all medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
1720-1725 | JRB | 2015 | Vol 5 | No 4
www.jresearchbiology.com

INTRODUCTION
Medicinal plants are a precious heritage for
humanity and especially for the majority of poor
communities in the developing countries who depend on
it for their primary health care and their sustainance.
(Salhi et al., 2010)
Skin diseases are considered as a set of
pathologies whose most visible symptoms occur in
organs including skin, mucous membrane and skin
appendages (Mozouloua et al., 2011).
An ethnobotanical study was conducted in the
area of El Hajeb; according to the survey conducted, the
results stastistical allowed us to understand the close
relationship between plant species and describe the
different types of pathologies affecting their population.
MATERIALS AND METHODS:
Figure 11 shows the number of species found in
the study area that deals with a given disease.
Diseases of skin diseases are most common in
the study area, 18 species treat these diseases, most of
them are healing, the most represented are primarily the
species Plantago psyllium with a percentage of 25.17%,
followed by the species Corrigiola telephifolia 14.42%,
Euphorbia helioscopa 13.13%, Rosmarinus
officinalis 13.10%, Nerium oleander 12.15%, Solanum
sodomeum L 8%, Teucrium capitatum L 7.33%
and Silene vulgaris 6.7%. (Fig 2) For diseases of the
digestive tract 14 species are used, 13 species for the
nervous system, 5 species for respiratory system and 4
species for urogenital system specific ailments.
From Figure 3, it is found that 15 species treat
diseases of the gastrointestinal tract. The most
represented are mainly Thymus ciliatus, Euphorbia
helioscopa, Origanum compactum 10% each, Solanum
sodomeum L, Silene vulgaris, Teucrium capitatum L,
Arbutus ajuga iva unedo, Helosciadium nodiflorum 7%
each, Crum carvi L and Pimpinella anisum L 6% and
atlast Ziziphus lotus 4% (EL Amri et al., 2011)
1721
Jalila et al., 2015
According to Figures 2 and 3, we observed that
the two plants are used for both dermatitis and diseases
of the gastrointestinal tract
Protocol for phytochemical screening:
Teucrium capitatium L and S. vulgaris plant
powders were prepared for testing phytochemical
characterization using conventional reagents. Different
tests are based on the color reaction and precipitation of
reactions specific or general characteristics. (Bruneton
and Jean, 1991)
Alkaloids:
10 g of dried vegetable powder was introduced in
a 250 ml Erlenmeyer flask, and 50 ml of H2 SO4 at 10%
was added. After stirring, it was let to soak for 24 hours
at room temperature and then filtered through a filter
paper. The filtrate was made to 50 ml with distilled
water.
Characterization
In two test tubes, 1 ml of the filtrate and 5 drops
of reagent were added. Mayers reagent was added in
the first tube and 5 drops of Dragendorff reagent in the
second tube. If a precipitate appears, the presence of
alkaloids is confirmed by their extraction.
Polyphenolic substances
5 g of powder was added in a 100 ml of boiling
water taken in an Erlenmeyer flask (250 ml). After
infusion for 15 minutes, the filtrate was added to 100 ml
of the distilled water.
Tannins
In a test tube, 5 ml of 5% infusion was
introduced, 1 ml of aqueous solution and 1% FeCl 3 was
also added. If tannin is present, then it develops a
greenish or blue-black color.
Catechin tannins
To 5 ml of 5% infused solution, 5 ml of
concentrated HCl was added. The whole was boiled for
15 min and then filtered through a filter paper. In the
presence of catechol tannins, it forms a red precipitate
soluble in iso-amyl alcohol.
Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1720-1725
Jalila et al., 2015
precipitate shows the presence of gallic tannins.
Number the species

Filter and saturate 10 ml of the filtrate of sodium

acetate. Then few drops of 1% FeCl3 was added. The

ra
ct m ct ste
m m se
s development of a blue-black color indicates the presence
ste ra ste o
et sy ta
lt sy sy at
tiv ry i us al er
m
ig
es
rc
u la
to
Ur
og
en
N
er
vo
or
m
on D of gallic tannins not precipitated by the reagent Stains.
D Ci H
Flavonoids
Fig 1. The number of the species in relation with the
pathologies found in EL Hajeb At 5% infusion a lighter or darker color, 5ml
del'acide H2SO4 10% and a base (NH4OH) were added.
If the color is accentuated by acidification, then it turns
blue-violet in the basic medium, this allows to conclude
the presence of anthocyanins.
Reaction to cyanidin:
5 ml of 5% infused solution was introduced in a
test tube, and 5 ml of hydrochloric alcohol (95% ethanol,
us

a
pi
t
ia

distilled water, concentrated HCl in equal parts by

o

.L
.L
cil

sc

s
um

s
li

m
o

tu
ctu

is
us

bi
eli

tu
va
ae

ar

no
pa
ym

ta
H

la
m

pi
m

ul

is

c
a
Th

do

ca
bi

co

em
v

us

volume) was added; then some magnesium turnings and

So
or

ne

m
um

th

yc
ph

le
um

riu
An

ac
an

Si
Eu

uc
an

An
ig

Te
l
Or

So

1 ml of iso-amyl alcohol was added to it.

Fig 2. The different species that are used for the The appearance of an orange-pink color
treatment of dermatoses
(flavones) or purplish pink (flavonones) or red
(flavonols, flavononols) gathered in the iso -amyl alcohol
supernatant indicates the presence of a free flavonoid
(aglucones).
Frequency

Leucoanthocyanes
The reaction to cyanidin was performed without
adding magnesium chips and heated in a water bath for
15 minutes. In the presence of leucoanthocyanes, it
Helosciadium nodiflorum
Ziziphus lotus

Ajuga iva
Teucrium capitatum. L

Carum carvi L

Arbutus unedo
Anacyclus clavatus
Anthemis nobilis
Solanum Sodomaeum.L

Silene vulgaris

Ceratonia siliqua
Origanum compactum

Pimpinella anisum L
Thymus ciliatus
Euphorbia Helioscopia

developed a cherry red color or purple. The presence of

catechols give a red-brown color.
Anthracene derivatives:
Free anthraquinones
Fig 3. The different species that are used for the
treatment for diseases of the digestive tract 1 g of powder, was added to 10 ml of chloroform
and heated for 3 min in a water bath. The filtrate was
Tannins gallic: Reaction Stiasny heated and supplemented to 10 ml. 1 ml of chloroform
30 ml of infused solution at 5% was added to 15 extract was obtained, and added with 1 ml of NH4OH
ml of Stiasny reagent (10 ml of 40% formalin and 5 ml was diluted and agitated. The more or less red color
of concentrated HCl), and then it was heated in a water indicates the presence of free anthraquinones.
bath at 90C for 15 mn. After filtration, the filtrate was Anthraquinone combined:
saturated with 5 g of pulverized sodium acetate. Then 1 O -htrosides:
ml of 1% FeCl3 was added drop wise. Obtaining a From the residue of the drug exhausted with

Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1720-1725 1722


chloroform, we have prepared a hydrolyzate which was
added to 10 ml of water, 1 ml of concentrated HCl and
the test tube was kept in a water bath for 15 minutes.
5 ml of the hydrolyzate are stirred with the 5 ml of
chloroform. The organic phase, was added to 1 ml of
diluted NH4OH and the presence of anthraquinone was
revealed by more or less dark red color.
The reaction may be further enhanced by adding
5 ml of the hydrolyzate and 3 to 4 drops of FeCl 3 at 10%
concentration, and stirred with 5 ml of chloroform. At
the chloroform phase, 1 ml of diluted NH4OH was added
and shaked. In the presence of oxidation products such as
anthranols or anthrones, the red color emerges as more
intense than before.
The C- glycosides:
The chloroform test was repeated which was
stored in 10 ml of water and then 1 ml of 10% FeCl3
was added. After boiling in a water bath for 30 min, and
stirred with 5 ml of chloroform, the chloroform phase
was appeared and 1 ml of dilute NH4OH was added. A
more or less intense red color indicates the presence
of C -htrosides aglucones.
Sterols and triterpenes
The sample to be tested was obtained from 1 g of
plant powder and 20 ml of ether left macerated for
24 hours, then filtered and made up to 20 ml with ether.
After evaporated to dryness 10ml of evaporated soluted
and 1 ml of chloroform was mixed. The solution
obtained is divided into two test tubes, and then 1 to 2 ml
of concentrated H2SO4 was added to the bottom of one of
the tubes, the other is used as a control. When the two
liquids contact each other, there is a formation of
brownish purple or red ring; the supernatant became
green or violet reveals the presence of sterols and
triterpenes.
Saponosides
100 ml of distilled water in a 250 ml Erlenmeyer
flask was boiled and added to 1g of powder and kept
simmering for 15 minutes. After filtration, the filtrate
1723
Jalila et al., 2015
was adjusted to 100 ml by the addition of distilled water.
In a series of 10 test tubes numbered from 1 to 10, we
divided successively 1,2, .10 ml of the decoction
prepared in 1% and adjusted the volume in each tube to
10 ml with distilled water. Then, each tube was shaken in
the longitudinal direction for 15 seconds at a rate of
2 stirs per second. After being allowed to stand for
15 minutes, height of the foam in each tube was measure.
The tube in which the height of the foam is 1 cm
indicates the foam index:
Foam index = 1000 / Tube Number
Reducing compounds
We introduced 5 ml of 10% aqueous decoction in
a100 ml beaker and evaporated to dryness in a water
bath. To the residue 1 ml of Fehling's reagent was added.
Obtaining a brick-red precipitate indicates the presence
of reducing compounds.
Oses and holosides
We introduced 5 ml of 10% decoction in a 100
ml beaker and evaporated to the dry water bath. To the
residue 2-3 drops of concentrated H2SO4 was added.
After 5 minutes, we ajout3 4 drops of ethanol saturated
with thymol. The development of a red color indicates
the presence of monosaccharides and holosides.
Mucilage
We have 1 ml of 10% decoction in a test tube
and added 5ml of absolute ethanol. After ten minutes, a
flaky precipitate was obtained by mixing, indicated the
presence of mucilages
The method of dilutions
Dilution method of preparing a series of Mueller-
Hinton broth tubes containing essential oil
concentrations ranging from 0.25 mg/ ml to 20 mg/ ml
and inoculated it with a population of test organism .
Measurement of the activity:
In liquid dilution macromthode is used to
determine the parameters of the inhibition of bacterial
growth (MIC, MBC), active extracts.
Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1720-1725
Jalila et al., 2015

The results were presented in Table 1:

Name of the compounds Test name Plant 1 Plant 2
Alkaloids Mayer Dragendorff + +
Tannins Diluted solution of ferric chloride + +
Catechin tannins Concentrated HCl + +
Gallic tannins reaction Stiasny +
Flavonoids:
Anthocyanins H2SO4 / NH4OH + +
Flavones and flavonoids free Reaction to cyanidin + -
(Genine)
Leucoanthocyanes Reaction to cyanidin without Mg - -
Sterol and Triterpenes Chloroform / acetic anhydride / H2SO4 + -
Reducing compounds Fehling reagent - -
Oses and holosides H2SO4 / ethanol / thymol - -
Cyanogenic glycosides Toluene - -
Anthraquinone free Chloroform / NH4OH + -
Anthraquinone combined:
O - glycosides HCL / NH4OH - -
C - glycosides FeCl3 / NH4OH
Saponosides Foam Index * - +

Antimicrobial effect by the method of direct contact:

The results of antimicrobial effect is given in the following table:

Table 2: Antimicrobial capacity according to the direct contact method

Dilutions 0 1/2 1/4 1/8 1/16 1/32 1/50 1/64 1/80 1/100
IU / ml SM 1000 333.3 142.86 66.66 32.26 20.41 15.87 12.66 10.10
(ET / Water)

Staphylococcus aureus meti S _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _+ + ++

Staphylococcus aureus meti R _ __ _ _+ _+ _+ ++ ++ ++ ++

Minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) is carried
out by successive dilutions 1/2, 1/4, 1/8, 1/16, 1/32, 1/50,
1/64, 1/80, 1/128 (Oussou et al., 2003). Due to the
immiscibility of ET in the water and therefore to the
culture medium, the emulsification was carried out with
a 0.2% agar solution to foster the germ contact/
compound. (Oussou et al., 2003)
Minimum bactericidal concentration (MBC):
The nutrient agar poured into petri plates is
streaked with 100l of the contents of tubes having a
concentration greater than or equal to CMI ( CMI) in
the series of previous dilution. WCD is determined after
incubation for 24 hours at 37C. This is the lowest
concentration that completely inhibits the growth.
The antibacterial effect was found bactericidal or
bacteriostatic versus the ratio: CMB / CMI .In fact, if
CMB / MIC = 1-2, the effect is bactericidal and if CMB /
MIC = 4 to 16, the effect is bacteriostatic ((Berche et al.,
1991)
RESULTS :
Phytochemical screening of the plant Teucrium
capitatium and Silene vulgaris L :
Preliminary phytochemical examination of various
extracts of the plant Teucrium capitatium L and Silene
vulgaris indicates the presence of sterols, steroids,
alkaloids, tannins, flavonoids
The results in the table 1, the largest area of
inhibition was observed in the case of Staphylococcus

Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1720-1725 1724


aureus Mtis. This species is more sensitive to this oil.
For other strains tested, gram neg have not showed zones
of inhibition, Our results are in agreement with those of
Zaika (1988) who commonly recognized that Gram-
negative bacteria are more resistant to essential oils that
appears precisely in our study.
For the activity coefficient, we found that the ori S
strain is close to 1 worth 0.73 while the value of the strain
ori R has only 0.05.
For the dilution method to determine the value of
MIC and MBC, there is a lack of growth in all strains at
the stock solution and diluted between 1/2 and 1/50 for the
ori strain S while the Staphylococcus aureus meti R is
resistant with an MIC of 333.3 IU / ml. MICs for
Staphylococcus aureus strains ori S are between 20, 41
and 333.3 .mu.l / ml.
The nature of the oil business is done on gram-
positive bacteria. It is bactericidal against Staphylococcus
aureus ori S and bacteriostatic for Staphylococci aureus
ori R.
The essential oil of Teucrium capitatium L is
active on all the strains tested. Comparatively speaking,
the activity of the essential oil of Teucrium capitatium
L by both methods (Aromatogram and direct contact) are
close to that of the essential oil of Thymus vulgaris thymol
vis--vis the strains of Staphylococcus aureus . (EL Amri
J et al., 2014)
CONCLUSION:
According to the ethnobotanical study, the two
plants were chosen for their biological activity and their
phytochemical screening; The study of the plant Teucrium
capitaium L showed the presence of an interesting
biological activity on Staphylococcus aureus ori S and ori
R; phytochemical screening has allowed an initial
characterization of active compounds. The results are
promising and encouraging because there is a strong co-
relation between active compounds and antibacterial
activity.
1725
Jalila et al., 2015
RFRENCES :
Salhi S, Fadli M, Zidane L & Douira A, 2010. tudes
floristique et ethnobotanique des plantes mdicinales de la
ville de Knitra (Maroc). Lazaroa 31(9): 133-146.
Mozouloua D, Apema AKR et Nguengue JP. 2011.
tude prliminaire des plantes mdicinales effets
antidermatosiques utilises en pharmacope Bangui. vol
2 URSAD. 3,5 et 6p.
EL Amri J, EL Badaoui K, Zair T, Bouharb H,
Chakir S and Alaoui T. 2014. Ethnobotanical study of
medicinal plants in the region Elhajeb (central Morocco)4
(8)1568-1580.
Bruneton, Jean. 1991. Pharmacognosie, Phytochimie et
Plantes mdicinales, 3 me Edition, Technique &
Documentation, Paris, France.
Oussou KR, Kanko C, Guessend N, Yolou S, Koukoua
G, Dosso M, Nguessan YT, Figueredo G and Chalchat
JC. 2003. Activits antibactriennes des huiles
essentielles de trois plantes de Cte dIvoire. C.R. Chimie.
7 (10-11) 1081-1086.
Berche P, Gaillard JL and Simonet M. 1991. Les
bactries des infections humaines. Editeur: Flammarion,
Mdecine & Sciences P 650 .
EL Amri J, EL Badaoui K, Zair T, Bouharb H,
Chakir S and Alaoui T. 2014. Etude del activit
antibactrienne des huiles essentielles Teucrium
capitatium L et del extraitde Silne vulgaris sur
diffrentes souches testeer.
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 Journal of Research in Biology ISSN No: Print: 2231 6280; Online: 2231- 6299

An International Scientific Research Journal

Original Research

Effect of the use of single dose of prostaglandin F2 in cows after one month of calving, to
determine the heat induction in the local cows of suburban area of N'Djamena, Chad
Authors: ABSTRACT:
Journal of Research in Biology

Tellah M 1
Mbandingatoloum FM1
Mopat LY 2 The objective of this study was to evaluate the effect of the systematic use of
and Boly H3 a single amount of the prostaglandin F2 after one month of calving on the renewal of
sexual activity of beef at Chad. (Sixty five (65) cows of local breeds from N'Djamena
Institution:
urban area were selected and divided Into two groups: Forty-three (43) cows were
1. University Institute of
treated with Prostaglandin F2, one month after calving and 22 cows as witnesses.
Science and Technical
of Abeche (IUSTA). BP 130 More than half (60.46%) of the cows answered the treatment and 39.54% did not
Abeche / CHAD react. The answer varied with the parity (68%) for the first half of the cows against
32% for the multiparous but the body weight at calving did not-have an effect. Only,
2. Research Institute of the acceptance of overlapping was Retained for the detection of return in heat, which
Livestock Development took place on an average of 2.36 0.14 days after treatment. The treatment made it
(IRED) . Laboratory of feasible to-have-one year interval between calving (first heat of 32.36 0.14 days.)
Veterinary and Zootechnical
Heat thus obtained, can be used as reference to the stockbreeders to program the
Research (LRVZ)
reproduction of their herd in order to have one year interval calving-calving closed.
Farcha, BP 433, N'Djamena,
CHAD This test sample gave better Indication in first half of the cows while waiting for
confirming it in the station.
3. Laboratory of Genetic
Improvement and Animal
Reproduction of the
Polytechnic University of
Bobo-Dioulasso (UPB). Keywords:
01BP1091Bobo-Dioulasso / PGF2, single amount, induction of heat, postpartum, bovines, Chad
BURKINA FASO

Corresponding author: Article Citation:

Tellah M Tellah M, FM Mbandingatoloum, Mopat LY and Boly H
Effect of the use of a singledose of prostaglandin F2 in cows after one month of
calving, to determine the heat induction in the local cows of suburban area of
N'Djamena, Chad
Web Address: Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1726-1731
http://jresearchbiology.com/
documents/RA0511.pdf
Dates:
Received: 02 Feb 2015 Accepted: 05 Mar 2015 Published: 18 May 2015

This article is governed by the Creative Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/

licenses/by/4.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-commercial, distribution and
reproduction in all medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

1726-1731 | JRB | 2015 | Vol 5 | No 4

Journal of Research in Biology
An International
Scientific Research Journal www.jresearchbiology.com

INTRODUCTION
The postpartum anoestrus is a period between
calving and resumption of postpartum sexual activity in
cows. It is normal when its duration does not exceed 60
days postpartum. Beyond this period, It becomes
pathological and negatively affects the duration of the
Calving Interval (CI) (Opsomer et al., 1996). The
anoestrus postpartum is common in tropical cattle and
especially in the Sahel region of Chad. In these regions,
particularly in Chad, the resumption of sexual activity
and behavioral manifestation after calving, are often late.
They can reach six (6) months or even a year (Agba,
1975). According to Ledoux (2011), this period depends
largely on calving season, parity, the husbandry and
cyclical the nature of anomalies after calving (dystocia,
metritis, pyometra, delayed uterine involution and
ovarian dysfunction).
These anomalities affect the reproduction by
delaying the return of the first heat after calving,
disturbing regularity of heats prior to reproduction and
the reproduction by delaying implementation
cows (Ledoux, 2011). This results in a long interval
calving (IVV) ranging from 15 to 18 months. Now, for a
cow to have a good reproductive performance, it must
calving 1st
present a normal cycicle with regular heat
interval (IVC1) detected in 41, an interval calving first
projection (IVSP) of 72 days and a IVV 387 days
(Ponsart et al., 2006). The lack of accurate information
on this subject and the traditional character of livestock
in Chad make it difficult to know the cause of low
reproductive performance of cattle. However, poor herd
management and especially the lack of monitoring of
reproduction are the cause of these poor performances.
To improve the reproductive performance of
cows, hormone therapy was an interesting alternative for
individual treatment and un systematic for all cows in the
herd (Hanzen et al., 1996). Indeed, two alpha
prostaglandin F ( PGF2) because of its induction effects
of the recovery of ovarian activity and acceleration of
1727
Tellah et al., 2015
uterine involution (Mechekour 2003; Dudhatra et al.,
2012; Khatri et al., 2013) is used to induce the
resumption of sexual activity in cows.
The objective of the study is to evaluate the
effectiveness of treatment with prostaglandin on the
resumption of postpartum ovarian activity in the local
cows four races Chad.
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study Area:
The study took place in cattle farms, located
around N'Djamena within 50 Km from the city of the
Sudano-Sahelian zone of Chad.. Climate plan alternation
between a rainy season (June-September) and a dry
season (October to May) was observed. The isohyte
varies from 400 to 600 mm of rain per year and the
temperature ranges from 29C in cool period (December-
February) and 50C during the hot season (March to
June). This is one of the areas of high concentration of
cattle in Chad. In addition, improved types of farms
of begin to develop on the outskirts of this city, and uses
artificial insemination as reproduction mode.
Study Animal: The study involved 65 local breeds of
cows (Arabic, Kouri, Bororo, Bokolodji and Grand)
heat divided in two groups (Table 1). These cows were
chosen based on their calving date and parity (at least
one calving). No pre-breeding control was made but the
animals were followed after calving until 60th postpartum
day to test the effect of administration of a single dose of
prostaglandin on the resumption of 'postpartum sexual
activity. The cows that calved within a month were
recorded.
However, the production parameters such as
body condition at the time of calving (appreciated by the
rating status on a scale of 1 to 5), age, parity, and
postpartum health were also recorded in order to assess
their effects on treatment.
The animals were identified using numbered ear
loops. Their staple diet consisted of forage present on
Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1726-1731
Tellah et al., 2015

Table 1: Distribution of cows selected according to the batch and parity for experimentation in the
area of N'Djamena (Chad)
Lot1 Lot2
Race Primipare Multipare Grand Total Primipare Multipare Grand Total

Arabic 12 11 23 05 07 12
Kouri 02 07 09 00 02 02
Bororo 04 04 07 01 06 07
Bokolodji 01 02 03 00 01 01
Grand Total 19 24 43 06 16 22

natural pasture. Sometimes deitary supplement are made
to the artificial insemination campaign approach (IA).
Reproduction is mainly by natural mating, but to a lesser
extent artificial insemination are also carried out.
PGF 2 treatment:
The 65 selected cows were divided into two lots:
Lot-1 with the 43 heads received systematically
intramuscularly, 2 ml of PGF2 (Estrumate, 500
micrograms cloprostenol) per cow, one month after
calving and Lot-2 (control) consisted of 22 females
received no treatment. The animals were taken every
day to pasture by herdsmen.
Heat detection:
The heats were followed by visual observation
th
from the day of treatment until the 60 day postpartum
for the experimental lot (Lot-1) and calving
th
until 60 postpartum day for the control group (lot-2).
The herdsmen were responsible for heat detection by
visual observation of overlap acceptance. For each
detection date observed heat was noted and the duration
of the heat treatment-event interval was calculate by day.
Data analysis:
Variables such as the percentage of response to
treatment, the period of return to heat after calving, lot
and parity were evaluated. The data were entered into
Excel. The XL-STAT software (6.1.9 Version) was for
descriptive statistices (calculation of frequencies, means
and standard - type). The variance analysis (ANOVA)
was done using the Newman-Keuls test at 5% level.
To evaluate the effectiveness of treatment, the
percentage and heat recovery time after calving in both
groups were estimated and compared. The judgment
criterion was the superiority or inferiority of the rate of
return to heat after treatment of cows from the
experimental lot, compared to the untreated lot.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Heat return rate after treatment
In between batches, the percentage of return to
heat within 60 days postpartum was better in the treated
group than in the untreated (Table 1).
Despite the effectiveness of prostaglandin being
low in healthy cows systematic treatment (Hanzen et al.,
1996; Fleurquin, 2013), this test has allowed us to have
some results in farming extensive livestock system . The
result was encouraged and indicate susceptibility of
treatment to be effective on the resumption of
postpartum sexual activity among Chadian cattle.
Processing time
The processing time is in agreement with the
study of Smith and Carlos (2002) which raised interest of
the use of prostaglandin F2 around 30 days postpartum
puerperal disorders and resumption of ovarian activity in
Table 1: Heat return rate of local cows based lots in
the area N'Djamena (Chad)
Positive (%) Negative (%) Grand Total
Lot 1 60.46 (n = 26) 39.53 (n = 17) 100% (n = 43)
Lot 2 22.73 (n = 5) 77.27 (n = 17) 100% (n = 22)

Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1726-1731 1728


cows. But this treatment is not justified for healthy
cows and to make it more effective, the treatment must
be done in the first two injections and should not be done
th th
before the 24 day after the 40 day postpartum 88
(Guilbault et al., 1988 and Hanzen et al., 1996 Bencharif
et al., 2000 Fleurquin, 2013).
Response to treatment in the test batch
The percentage of return to heat in Lot 1 was
very high (Figure 1). Considering the injection time after
calving. This reflects the degree of inflammation of the
uterus, postpartum months less than in immediate
postpartum period. However, it was higher than 16.66%
(first injection) reported by Amjad et al., (2006)
where PGF2 is injected systematically for 85 days in
Sahiwal Zebu. The low rate of return to heat in the first
60 days of the control group compared to the
experimental group showed that PGF2 had a significant
effect on the resumption of postpartum sexual activity.
It decreased the number of days open from 6 months
older (Agba 1975) to 32.36 0.14 days after calving in
zebu. Pending confirmation by studies in the resort, this
result is a very explorable and economical approach for
the control of the calving interval to improve the
reproductive performance of Sahelian cattle.
Gender and age of the cows
The average rate was 1.85 1.06. She has had
an effect on treatment response. Primiparous gave a
good result. Response to treatment was better in
Figure 1: Percentage of response to treatment in the
batch of cows experienced in the area of N'Djamena
(Chad).
1729
Tellah et al., 2015
primiparous than in multiparous (Figure 2). The
difference between positive and negative results was
significant (p <0.05).
This result is justified by the fact that the heifers
(young) have more often delay of uterine involution
compared to multiparous (older). Uterine inflammation
would have increased sensitivity to prostaglandin F2 do
rid the uterus of its content, increase the defense of the
animal, lyse the corpus luteum if its presence is linked to
inflammation. and accelerate uterine involution to restart
ovarian activity. These effects are reported by many
authors who have not advised the use of prostaglandin
on healthy cows (Hanzen et al., 1996; Bencharif et al.,
2000 Mechekour 2003 Dudhatra et al., 2012, Fleurquin,
2013 Khatri et al., 2013).
Body condition score
The average body condition score at calving
cows was 3 0.55 without significant difference (P>
0.05) between batches (Figure 3)
The body condition score of the animals at the
time of treatment had no effect on treatment
response. The small difference of the circular body
condition of cows, had no effect on the outcome . For
cons, the effect of weak note body condition at calving or
weight loss after calving on resuming sexual activity
was noted in Charolais cows. In that race, it was reported
that gender and weight loss after calving affected the
duration of postpartum anoestrus. The heifers cows that
Figure 2: Responses (%) treatment between
primiparous cows and multiparous cows in the area of
N'Djamena (Chad)
Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1726-1731
Tellah et al., 2015
Figure 3: Treatment response according to the body
condition of cows calving in the area N'Djamena
(Chad)
have lost weight after calving , had a long postpartum
anoestrus (Mialon et al.,1996 and Disenhaus et al.,2008).
In the heat of time after the onset of treatment,
the median time to onset of heat in lot 1 was 2.36 0.14
days post treatment, or 32.36 0.14 days after calving
with 72, 73% in 2 days. The framework within well, with
the objective of one calf per cow per year, to achieve. It
is even lower than that fixed by Ponsart et al., (2006)
The time back after calving showed that in the
lot 2, the heat of events averaged 69.50 37.75 days.
This period varied from 33 to 149 days after calving.
A low number (22.73%) cows showed their heat in
the two months postpartum. In contrast, the
majority (77.27%) cows have not been heat beyond 60
days postpartum. But even in temperate countries where
reproduction is controlled, the return rate of Charolais
cows in heat is low (58%), before three months
after calving (Mialon et al., 1996). This confirms the
abnormally prolonged anestrus reported in tropical
cattle (Agba 1975). These low percentages of recovery
in cyclicity cattle in tropical or temperate
compared experimental results have justified the effect
of prostaglandin on resuming sexual activity. Mastering
the resumption of postpartum sexual activity appears to
be an important parameter for reducing the calving
Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1726-1731
interval in Chadian cattle.
CONCLUSION
The study showed that it is possible to induce the
heat back in a month in postpartum cows at Chad.The
local cows that are primiparous better answered than
multiparous, probably because of the degree of uterine
involution between the two categories of cows.
The misconduct of breeding cows due to the
absence of a registration register, did not assess the
effects of uterine infections, retained placenta and
treatment.
Studies on homogeneous animals (parity) on
station or in farms where the conduct of reproduction is
done well (followed by heat) are needed for a better
understanding.
The use of PGF2 single dose to a month
postpartum reduce the number of days open for local
cows of Chad. Through this reference for heat, the
breeder could program the reproduction of these animals
to remain in the calving interval of around 12 months.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
The authors sincerely thank the breeder Ali
Saboun and herdsmen for their collaboration. My thanks
also for the Dairy Productivity (AMPROLAIT)/ CORAF
and the Graduate Institute of Science and Technology of
Abeche (IUSTA) for their financial support.
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Bencharif D, Tainturier D, Slama H, Bruyas JF, Battut I
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World, 5(6):378-384. (BTIA), 120:33-36.

Fleurquin FIF. 2013. Intrt dun traitement individuel du Smith BI and Risco CA. 2002. Therapeutic et Management
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Guilbault LA, Villeneuve IP and Dufour JJ. 1988.
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Khatri P, Tunio SA, Kaka I, Samo MU, Bhutto B and

Memon MR. 2013. Effect of Exogenous PGF2 and
Oxytocin on Postpartum Anestrus and Uterine Involution in
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Ledoux D, Touze JL, Richard C, Ponter AA, Bosc MJ

and Grimard B, 2011. Abnormal patterns of resumption of
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 Journal of Research in Biology ISSN No: Print: 2231 6280; Online: 2231- 6299

An International Scientific Research Journal

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Effect of some abiotic factors on the growth of Oreochromis niloticus

Linnaeus, 1758 (Perciformes: Cichlidae) in tropical ecosystems (Cameroon)
Authors:
Journal of Research in Biology

Mohamed Nsangou ABSTRACT:

Nchoutndignigni1,2*,
Svilor Kekeunou2,
Gidon Ajeagah3,
Benoit Bapfubusa2, The Growth of Oreochromis niloticus (2.6g initial average size) was
Abraham Fomena4 studied in 100m2 earthen ponds for 180 days under tropical field environment.
Varying fertilizing regimes consisting of Pennisetum purpureum (PP) and Musa
Institution: sapientum (MS), two locally available weedy grasses were applied in duplicates in
1. Laboratory of Zoology, Higher
the experimental ponds, at the rate of 0.1-0.2 kg dry matter per m2 per day.
Teacher Training College,
University of Yaound I, Water quality parameters were monitored bimonthly between 8:00am-9:00am .
Cameroon Final average fish weight varied significantly (p<0.05) as follows: 43.85g, 35.5g,
59.5g, 24.9g and 50g, 2 respectively for PP, MS, MS+PP, T0 and T1. Corresponding
2. Laboratory of Zoology, Faculty daily growth were 2.2g/d, 0.1g/d, 0.3g/d, 0.1g/d and 0.2g/d. Survival rate equally
of Science, University of varied significantly as follow: 60 %, 67 %, and 98 %, 70 % and 97 % respectively.
Yaound I, Cameroon During the study period, the results indicated the water quality were permissibole
limits and can be used for livestock of Oreochromis niloticus .
3. Laboratory of Hydrobiology
and Environment, Faculty of
Science, University of Yaound I,
Cameroon
Keywords:
4. Laboratory of Parasitology and Oreochromis niloticus, fish farming, pond, water quality, fertilization.
Ecology, Faculty of Science,
University of Yaounde I,
Cameroon

Corresponding author: Article Citation:

Mohamed Nsangou Mohamed Nsangou Nchoutndignigni, Svilor Kekeunou, Gidon Ajeagah, Benoit
Nchoutndignigni Bapfubusa and Abraham Fomena
Effect of some abiotic factors on the growth of Oreochromis niloticus Linnaeus,
1758 (Perciformes:Cichlidae) in tropical ecosystems (Cameroon).
Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1738-1754
Email Id:
Dates:
Received: 12 Jan 2015 Accepted: 10 Mar 2015 Published: 05 June 2015

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1738-1754 | JRB | 2015 | Vol 5 | No 4

Journal of Research in Biology
An International
Scientific Research Journal www.jresearchbiology.com

INTRODUCTION
Aquaculture contributes significantly to the
economies and food security (FAO, 2006). China has
seen its annual production of aquaculture increasing from
7% in 1961 to 35% in 2010. Nevertheless, it remains a
marginal activity in sub-Saharan Africa . Growth in sub-
Saharan Africa increased from less than 1% in 1989 to
4% in 2011 (FAO, 2012). Food security is a major
problem for African countries (Hishamunda and Jolly,
1998). To establish a balanced diet of the populations,
FAO (2006) thinks that the intensification and
diversification of fish production systems would cope
with this problem. Fish is the main source of protein for
a considerable part of the population. It represents 40%
of the protein intake of animal origin in the diet and
covers 9.5% of total needs. In 2012, these imports fishes
were estimated at 160,000 tons valued for a total of 60
billion Francs CFA (MinEPIA, 2014) .To solve the
problem of demand for fish, the Cameroonian state must
develop fish farming which is proposed as an alternative.
The healthy aquatic ecosystem depends on the
physicochemical and biological characteristics
(Venkatesharaju et al., 2010). To assess these
characteristics, monitoring of these parameters is
essential to identify magnitude and source of any
pollution load. These characteristics can identify certain
condition for the ecology of living organisms and
suggest appropriate conservation and management
strategies (Srivastara et al., 2009, Damotharan et al.,
2010; Prasanna and Ranjan, 2010). Its in this context
that we undertook the study of the aquatic ecosystem
ponds. This study adds new elements to previous works
done by Snoussi (1984); Foto (1989); Cheggour et al.,
(2004); Bazairi et al., (2005); Fekhaoui (2005); El
Morhit et al., (2008).
The aim of this work is to study the physical and
chemical parameters that influence the growth of
Oreochromis niloticus in earthen ponds. Better
monitoring of the water quality of fish ponds provides
1739
Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015
better growth and therefore a good harvest of fish,
making fishes available in the Cameroonian market
MATERIALS AND METHODS
Study site feature
Yaounde which is, the political capital of
Cameroon (Central Africa). Its lies between North
latitude 352' and longitude 1132', with an average
altitude of about 750m above sea level (Sanchoir,
1995). The landscape is hilly and the city lies on several
hills which are 25 to 50m high (Eno-Belinga and
Kabeyene 1982; Ekodeck, 1984). The experimental
ponds for our research are located at the University of
Yaound I (Fig. 10).
The climate is equatorial, characterized by two
dry seasons (a long dry season from January to March
and a short dry season from July to August) alternating
with two rainy seasons (small rainy season from
September to mid-November and a long rainy season
from mid-March to June) of relatively uneven and
variable duration from one year to another (Suchel,
1987). Soils are ferro-lateritic with pH value ranging
from 4.5 to 5.8 (Yongu-Fouateu, 1986).
Experimental ponds are supplied by derivated
water from Olzoa, a stream meeting Mingoa and Ak
on the right bank of Mfoundi situated in the southern part
of Yaounde. Annual average water temperature is close
to 25 C.
Biological materials
1000 fry of Oreochromis niloticus averaging
2.6g (0,6) were used in the experiment. These fish were
reproduced at the Aquaculture Station Melen-Yaounde,
from brooders collected from Sanaga rivers some 10
years earlier (Brummett et al., 2004). The plant
materials consisted of Pennisetum purpureum and Musa
sapientum which was collected in the swamp of the
University of Yaounde I Campus.
Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754
Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015

Table1: Physico-chemical characteristics of ponds recorded during the second cycle, from June to November 2013

Treatment PP MS PP+MS T0 T1
Pond Pond 1 Pond 2 Pond 3 Pond 4 Pond 5
pH 07.03000.50 07.1300.40 06.8000.30 06.900.30 07.020.30
Water temperature (C) 23.50000.20 23.6001.45 24.5000.90 23.201.10 25.700.80
Dissolved oxygen (mg/l) 04.43001.00 03.8001.60 06.2000.50 03.601.00 03.501.40
SS (mg/l) 23.30009.20 17.5005.05 002802.90 43.504.20 08.601.03
Turbidity (UTN) 48.80015.10 007612.80 54.3011.70 47.907.60 20.600.80
Nitrate (mg/l) 00.58000.20 00.2300.30 00.0700.08 00.070.08 00.200.40
Phosphate (mg/l) 00.44000.08 00.4200.07 00.3500.30 00.390.20 00.300.03
Note: SS: Suspended Solids; pH: potential of hydrogen. (Mean SEM); PP: Pennisetum purpureum,
MS : Musa sapientum, T1 : positive control, T0 : negative control.

Ponds: examination of water and waste water (APHA, 1985)

2
Five ponds of 100 m with a depth of 0.7m for
ponds 1, 2 and 3, and a depth of 1m for ponds 4 and 5.
To these five ponds, we added a reservoir of water of
2
about 200m with a depth of 1m (Figure 10). It was
installed between the months of April and May in the
2
year 2010 on an area of about 500 m located within the
campus of the University of Yaounde I.
Monotoring tools:
A roll of nylon wire, posts (bamboo) to identify
forties, a measuring tape (0001m near) and an
ichtyometer (nearly 0001m) to measure the sizes of fish
and a portable electronic balance HX-T (0.01g) for
weight measurements . The standard method for the
was followed for the analysis of all physical and
chemical water parameters such as pH, dissolved
oxygen, water temperature, turbidity, nitrate, and
phosphate. These were measured using a thermometer, a
pH meter (Schott Gerte CG818), an oxymeter (Schott
Gerte HQ30d), a SECCHI disc (30cm diameter) and a
spectrophotometer.
Experimental treatments
During the experimental season (between June
and November 2013), 5 ponds were used (Ponds 1, 2, 3,
4 and 5). Pond 1 received P. purpureum (20kg/100 m2),
pond 2 received 20kg/100m2 M. sapientum, pond 3
received 10kg/100m2 MS+10 kg/100m2 PP. Ponds 4 and

Table 2: Zootechnical performance of different ponds Oreochromis niloticus fed three diets during 180
days of experimentation the second cycle. The results are expressed as: Mean SEM.
T1
Treatment PP MS PP+MS T0 (Droppings)
Pond Pond 1 Pond 2 Pond 3 Pond 4 Pond 5
Law (g) 02,6000.6 02,600.40 20.800.30 02.7000.70 02.60,04.00
Faw(g) 43.850028 35,522.40 59.539.20 24.9316.80 50.2333.70
Ias (cm) 05.2000.2 04,600.50 40.800.40 05.1000.30 04.6000.50
Fas (cm) 17.0003.2 14,502.80 22.505.40 13.0002.20 22.0005.40
Dg (g/j) 00.2000.1 00,100.01 00.300.02 00.1000.01 00.2000.02
Survival (%) 60.0001.1 67.001.20 98.002.60 70.0001.60 97.0002.30

PP :Pennisetum purpureum, MS : Musa sapientum, T1 : positive control, T0 : negative control; Dg: Daily
growth; Faw: Final average weight; Fas: Final average size. Iaw: Initial average weight; Ias: Initial average
size The heterogeneity between the average weight is not significant at 5%.

Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754 1740

 Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015

Fig.1. Evolution of potential hydrogen from water ponds during different cycle
testing between June and November 2013

5 are control ponds. One (pond 4) is a negative control, Laboratory measurements

which received no treatment while the pond 5 is a In the laboratory, solids suspensions, color and
positive control that received 20kg/100m2 of chicken turbidity were evaluated by spectrophotometry (HACH
manure. The salary adjustments were made every fifteen DR/2010) using techniques given in APHA (1985);
(15) days after sampling. The algal ponds with a boom Dissolved oxygen was measured using a pulse oximeter
(greenish color) this implies a nutrient rich environment (Schott Gerte HQ30d). These parameters were
and can be effective empoisoning. monitored regularly every two weeks from 8:am-9:am .
Sampling of water Fish sampling
In situ measurements Every 15 days around 8:am-9:am , fish samples
The physico-chemical parameters such as were made after partial emptying of ponds. The capture
temperature, transparency, pH, respectively were of 30 individuals per pond is made randomly with
measured in situ by means of a mercury thermometer, a replacement. It was made using a fishing net (10m long
Secchi disk (diameter = 30cm), and a portable pH meter and 1m wide), a dip net with fine mesh for fry and / or
(Shott CG818). gillnet (14/10m) and a trap for adult stages. Catch weight

1741 Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754

Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015

Fig.2. Evolution of the temperature of the water in different ponds during cycle testing
between June and November 2013.

and size were taken at each sampling. At the beginning
of the experiment, the biomass of fishes in each area was
determined to the nearest gram. At the end of the trial, all
fishes from each farm structure was counted and
weighed together to the nearest gram.
Statistical analysis:
Final mean weight (g), survival (%), daily
growth (g/d) were computed. Data were subjected to an
analysis of variance and Duncan multiple-range test was
used to evaluate specifies differences between treatments
(significance level: 0.05).
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
Monitoring of water quality in the framework of
this study is illustrated by taking some abiotic parameters
(Table 1). At the end of the cycle (180 days), the pH
ranged from 6.8 to 7.13. When the temperature range is
from 23.5C to 25.7C, the variation of the oxygen level
is between 3.6 to 6.2 mg/l, disturbance of water bodies is
illustrated by the presence of suspended solids with a
variation of 8.6 to 43.5 mg/l, nitrate concentration is low
in the five area (0.07-0.58mg/l) and phosphorus (0.3-0.4
mg/l).

Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754 1742

 Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015

Fig.3. Concentration of Dissolved Oxygen water ponds during different cycle testing between
June and November 2013.

Physical variables material causes a drop in pH (Goterman, 1995). It has a

Hydrogen Potential (pH)
The pH of the water depends on the diffusion of
carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, the balance of
respiratory and photosynthetic metabolism and the origin
of the water (Hutchinson, 1987). The geological nature
of the medium traversed, discharges wastewater
(Dussart, 1966) . It is inseparable from the temperature
values(Nisbet and Verneau, 1970) and it has been
demonstrated that the mineralization of the organic
direct effect on the availability of metal ions in the
marine environment and therefore the rate of
accumulation by organisms while changing the shape of
the metal and acting on the physiology of organisms
(Bryan, 1979). The pH of pond water recorded during the
study period was 6.1 in Pond 1 (for October 2013) and
7.6 in the same pond during the month of November
2013. This small variation is due to the buffering effect
of bicarbonate ions, clearly indicating the potability of

1743 Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754

Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015

Fig.4. Evolution of suspended solids (SS) in water of different ponds during cycle testing between
June and November 2013

water (Fig.1). However, as shown in Figure 2, the curve
of the spatio-temporal variation of pH for five ponds is
highly variable and does not follow a regular law. pH
values found in different ponds studied during our cycle
do not present a danger to Oreochromis niloticus. These
changes are not easy to interpret because they are the
result of great physical and biological difficult to
highlight number. The pH ranges that are directly lethal
to fish are those located below 5mg/1 (Bremond and
Perrodon, 1979).
The water temperature (T)
The water temperature is between 20C and 26C
in the pond 1, between 22 and 25.5C in the pond 2,
between 23.5C and 25C in the pond 3, between 22 and

Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754 1744

 Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015

Fig.5. Evolution of the turbidity of different ponds during cycle testing between
June and November 2013.

25C in the pond 4, and between 24C and 25C in 5
ponds. From these values the minimum value is 20C
while the maximum value is of the order of 26C.
Observed characteristics are also strongly influenced by
factors specific to the site or the pond. In these
conditions, its difficult to know whether the differences
are due to special events or seasonal variations.
However, if there is a significant seasonal variation, it
must affect all ponds, or at least the majority, regardless
of site-specific characteristics. This is actually what we
see observe in Fig. 2. Five ponds have large amplitude
between August, September and November because
these periods mark the sunshine in our site. However, we
record low values between the months of June and July
since rain contributes to the decrease in water
temperature. These changes are consistent with the
observed values in other water bodies (Levque, 1988)
values. Temperature values observed during the
experiment are very favorable for the production of
Oreochromis niloticus (Kestemont et al, 1989).
Dissolved oxygen (DO)
In our five ponds, the dissolved oxygen content
is between 2.6 and 6.5 mg/l in pond 1, between 2 and
6mg/l in pond 2, between 5 and 7mg/l in pond 3 between
3 and 5.6mg/l in pond 4, and between 2.4 and 5.8 mg/l in
pond 5 (Fig. 3). From these values we use a variation of

1745 Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754

Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015

Fig. 6. Phosphorus water ponds during different cycle testing between

June and November 2013.

the concentration of dissolved oxygen between 2mg/1
and 7mg/l. The evolution of the concentration of
dissolved oxygen is a function of the climate. However,
from mid-September till October, the amplitude is
exponential in most ponds, as the oxygen content
increases with the rain. It is important to note that its
amplitude is large with the decrease in turbidity and is
less important also with higher suspended solids.
Between 2 and 3 mg/l dissolved oxygen Oreochromis
niloticus presents no particular metabolic problems.
Different levels of dissolved oxygen are favorable to the
development of Oreochromis niloticus, but they stop
eating less than 1.5mg/l and die after a long exposure
(Balarin et al., 1979). Coche (1982) reports that at a
temperature of 26-30C, special measures need to be
considered, if the concentration of O2 on the surface of
the water falls below 3 mg/l for several days. He advises
a reduction or even a complete stop feeding and
decreased storage density with and a maximum spacing
of cages (several meters from each other).
Suspended Solids (SS)
Ponds subject to our study, located in a swampy
area in relation to the relatively low erosive potential of
the basin, the waters are loaded with suspended solids.
The low load (14.5 mg/l) exceptionally recorded in
November 2013 (Fig. 4) is probably the result of a
cessation of rains, the suspended solids show a great
difference between the values recorded. The high

Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754 1746

 Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015

Fig. 7. Evolution of the concentration of nitrate in water from different ponds during
cycle testing between June and November 2013.
amplitude recorded (45 mg/l) in the month of June 2013 Turbidity
is linked to very large seasonal variations and also the The turbidity is reduces transparency due to the presence
tidal dynamics. The average increase of the suspended of undissolved solids suspended in water. In this study,
solids can be attributed to sudden rainstorms. Other we observed a change in the value of the turbidity in the
authors have shown that the fluctuation of the suspended different pools (Fig. 5). It varies between 25 and 70 UTN
solids is mainly due to contributions from the major in pond 1, between 60 and 70 UTN in the pond 2,
collectors of the city. In addition, agents such as dynamic between 37 and 66 UTN in the pond 3, between 38 and
-tidal currents, also contribute to the increase in the 55 UTN in the pond 3, and between 20 and 22 UTN in
content of suspended solids by suspension of the thin pond 5. However, it is noticeable that these values are
layer of sediment (Kaimoussi, 2002). In the case of our recorded relating to climate change. The turbidity of the
study, the mean values of TSS are relatively low and the water in the pond 1 is of high amplitude during the
evolution follows a normal distribution. month of June 2013, because of regular rainfall. It falls

1747 Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-3754

Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015
Fig. 8. Evolution of the average body weight of
Oreochromis niloticus with different experimental diets
(PP, MS, MS+PP, T1, T0)
in September and will go up in October. Turbidity, if
appropriate with increased rainfall. This variation is the
same in all ponds. It is essential to note that the turbidity
is correlated with solids suspensions. The results of
Dagaonkar and Saksena (1992) and Garg et al
(2006b) also reported high turbidity during rainy
season. Silt, clay and other suspended particles
contribute to the turbidity values, while during
winter and settlement of silt, clay results low turbidity
during the summer season. Nevertheless, it is essential
to note that the turbidity correlates with solids
suspensions and may be related to fertilization
(Dabbadie, 1996).
Chemical variables
Phosphate
Phosphate is an essential component of the
organic matter and its important nutrient for living
organisms. However it must be considered as a pollutant,
when present at high concentrations in the environment.
At the end of our study, the concentration of phosphorus
in ponds 1 and 2 is between 0.3 and 0.5 mg/l; between 0
and 1mg/l in pond 3 between 0.1 and 0.6mg/l, for ponds
and between 0 and 1mg/l for the pond 5(Fig. 6). This
finding is agreement with that of Udaipur lakes (Ranu,
2001, Chisty 2002). Concentrations in water around 0.5
mg/l is a pollution index (Rodier et al.,1996). According
to the values, the water bodies are indications of
Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754
Fig.9. Evolution of the average body length of
Oreochromis niloticus with different experimental diets
(PP, MS, MS+PP, T1, T0)
pollution. Release of phosphate in aquatic ecosystems
are one of the most serious environmental problems
because, they help to accelerate the eutrophication of
these environments.
Nitrate (NO3-)
Nitrates represent the final stage of the oxidation
of nitrogen. Their presence in water is a evidence of a
good recovery from organic pollution. Human activity is
certain when concentrations exceeding 12 mg/l
(Perrodon and Bremond, 1979). Nitrates come primarily
from runoff in the watershed (nitrogen fertilizers).
Nitrate can also come from domestic sewage and
industrial wastewater. The evolution of nitrates is
dominated by two large seasonal variations in August
2013 and November 2013. At ponds, this depletion of the
areal concentration of nitrates is due to measures taken in
the security system of the dam safety present between the
rivers (Olezoa) and experimental ponds. We can say that,
the traces exist in ponds resulting from agricultural
practices located around the study site whereas lateral
inflows of nitrate leaches from agricultural land very
busy this element are not overlooked . Furthermore, the
results reveal low intake of nitrates between 0 and 1 mg/
l. The longitudinal profiles of the ions have the same
shape for all pools as shown in Figure 7. Other authors
found that nitrates can reach values higher values (24
mg/l), there by suggesting the presence of organic matter
1748
 Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015

Pond 1 with Pp Pond 2 with Ms

4
c 1 4 1
3
3

2 2

5
Pond 3 with Ms+Pp Pond 4 with Nt

4 1 4 1

3 3

2 2

Pond 5 with Cm

4 1

Legend. (1) Entry of water; (2) Water outlet; (3) Plate of the pond; (4): Composter; (5) Basin water retention;
Pp: Pennisetum purpureum; Ms Musa sapientum; Cm: Chicken manure; Nt: No treatment

Fig.10.Experimental device

(Mergaoui et al., 2003). Gassama and Violette (2002)
explained the increase of nitrate by the input of nitrogen
fertilizers.
Zootechnical parameters and indices calculated
The test foods were accepted by the fish. In each
pond fertilized with a particular food, the values of
growth performance such as the average final weight
varied between 24.93g 16.8g and 59.5g 39g (Fig.8).
The size changes with a final average variability between
13cm 2.2cm and 22.5cm 5.4cm (Fig. 9). The daily
growth for when it is 0.1g/d 0.3 to 0.01g/d 0.02, and
the survival rate between 60% 1.01 and 98% 2.6 are
recorded in Table 2. These observations show that these
areas are more environmentally friendly for farming
Oreochromis niloticus. By cons, in the pond 2 and 4,
growth remained low (0.1g/l). This low rate is partly due
to the chemical composition of the food eaten at the pond
2, which could cause a decline in their growth (Moriarty,
1973). Moreover, this low growth rate is related to the
average biomass (35.5 and 24.93g in ponds 2 and 4)
respectively observed at the end of cycle.
As a first approximation we can therefore
suggest that the food ingested by the fish takes the full
responsibility. These results are similar to observations
made by Kaushik et al. (1995) and could be likened to
the physiological adaptations exhibited by herbivorous

1749 Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754

Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015

Fig.11. Localization of the study site

fish, allowing them to optimize the quality of their food
in low food availability (Melard, 1986). These results are
also related to the low stocking densities and applied to
environmental conditions, especially temperature and
oxygen that appear to be conducive to efficient use of
available food. Similar observations described in the
natural environment, such as Chano lake in Ethiopia
(Getachew , 1993) confirm the lower trophic requirement
Oreochromis niloticus and its ability to take advantage of
food sources of varying quality.

Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1737-1754 1750


Legend. (A): Water outlet; (B): Dike; (C): Composter
Fig.12. Experimental ponds
CONCLUSION
This study allowed us to obtain the optinal
parameters for the successful growth of oreochromis
niloticus: (1)pH (6.8 to 7.13), the temperature (23.2 to
25.7 C), dissolved oxygen (4.43 to 6.2mg/l), turbidity
(20.6 to 76 NTU) and TSS (8.6 to 43.5g/l), Nitrates (0.07
to 0.5mg / l) and phosphates (0.3 to 0.4mg/l). (2) The
production parameters for growth performance of
Oreochromis niloticus are 43g, 35.5g, 59.5g, 24.93g and
50.23g with 60 %, 67 %, 98 % and 70 % and 97 %
respectively is 1,2,3,4 and 5 ponds. This study shows that
pond 3 revealed the best performance. This work,
although carried to completion, is far from having been
without difficulties . Pond fertilization and water quality
have a capital interest in the development of freshwater
fish. This work has undeniably, like any human
endeavor, weaknesses, imperfections and limitations . In
addition, it is necessary to improve the appearance of
fertilizing ponds with other forages. Future work will
bring an improvement to fish yields to better exploit for
exploiting the food self-sufficiency.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
The authors wish to thank Mr. DOUNIA, teacher
1751
Nchoutndignigni et al., 2015
at the Higher Teacher Training College of Yaounde,
Laboratory of Zoology for his practical advice in the
analysis of the results of this work. We also thank the
Master and PhD students in the laboratory of
Hydrobiology environment who participated in the
sampling sessions as a part of our research work.
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 Journal of Research in Biology ISSN No: Print: 2231 6280; Online: 2231- 6299

An International Scientific Research Journal

ORIGINAL RESEARCH

Oviposition preference and culture control of Spodoptera frugiperda

(Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) in corn (Zea mays)
ABSTRACT:
Journal of Research in Biology

Authors:
Fabio Medeiros da Costa1, We evaluated the oviposition preference and damage capacity of
Aldeni Barbosa da Silva2, Spodoptera frugiperda on the different phenological stages of corn. Tests were
Eduardo Barbosa performed at the Assis Chateaubriand Agricultural School (0710'15" S, 3551'13"
Beserra3 and Jose Pires W, altitude 634 meters), municipality of Lagoa Seca, Paraba State, Brazil, in two
Dantas4
areas of 500 m2, with CMS maize hybrid strain and maize intercropped with bean
Institution: with the spacing of 0.80 x 0.40 m. Eggs and caterpillars were collected weekly on 50
1. Oikos Consultoria e Projetos. plants randomly sampled in five spots. Height and number of leaves per plant, and
Departamento de Meio
damage from caterpillars of S. frugiperda were recorded using the scale, the rangers
Ambiente. Estrada de Santo
Antnio, 3903 Apto 103-D. were., 0) no damage, 1) leaf scraped, 2) leaf pierced, 3) leaf torn, 4) damage in
Tringulo. Porto Velho RO cartridge, 5) cartridge destroyed. The average number of clutches did not differ
76805-696, Brasil. significantly among the three phenological stages of the culture, but average clutch
2. Departamento de Fitotecnia/ size (number of eggs) was significantly smaller for the stage of 4-6 leaves. However,
CCA/UFPB - Campus II, Areia there was a significant interaction with respect to the number of clutches between
- PB. Rua Sisnia Vitrio position in the plant (lower, middle, and upper) and phenological stage, and
Serafim, N 18, Bairro Bela between leaf surface and phenological stages. There were significant differences
Vista, Remgio - PB, 58398- among tillage systems for corn in monoculture and corn intercropped with bean.
000, Brasil.
3. Departamento de Biologia,
Centro de Cincias Biolgicas, Keywords:
CCBS, Universidade Estadual Fall armyworm, behavior, bioecology, host.
da Paraba, UEPB. Rua
Juvncio Arruda s/n,
Bodocong, Campina Grande -
PB, 58109-753, Brasil.
4. Departamento de Qumica,
Centro de Cincias e
Tecnologia, CCT, Universidade
Estadual da Paraba, UEPB. Rua
Juvncio Arruda s/n,
Bodocong, Campina Grande -
PB, 58109-753, Brasil.

Corresponding author: Article Citation:

Fabio Medeiros da Costa Fabio Medeiros da Costa, Aldeni Barbosa da Silva, Eduardo Barbosa Beserra Jose
Pires Dantas
Email Id:
Oviposition preference and culture control of Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera:
Noctuidae) in corn (Zea mays)
Journal of Research in Biology (2015)5(4):1755-1762

Dates:
Received: 26 Apr 2015 Accepted: 05 May 2015 Published: 08 June 2015

Web Address:
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http:jresearchbiology.com/ licenses/by/4.0), which gives permission for unrestricted use, non-commercial, distribution and
documents/RA0522.pdf reproduction in all medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

1755-1762 | JRB | 2015 | Vol 5 | No 4

Journal of Research in Biology

An International
www.jresearchbiology.com
Scientific Research Journal

-
INTRODUCTION
Corn (Zea mays L.) is one of the main crops in
Brazil (Bull and Cantarella 1993). In recent years, this
culture has been increasing substantially due to
developments in tillage system, availability of more
productive genotypes, adapted to the various regions,
mechanization, and increase of the production area
resulting from off-season sowing and the expansion of
the crop to new regions in the Center-West and
Northeast. In the last 15 years, production almost
doubled, from 24 to 42 million tons, with an increase in
productivity from about 1,800 kg/ha to over 3,000 kg/ha
(Companhia Nacional de Abastecimento, 2009).
Nevertheless, the average productivity in Brazil (3,500
kg/ha) is still considered low when compared to that of
other producing countries, such as China (5,000 kg/ha),
Argentina (7,000 kg/ha), and the United States (9,000 kg/
ha) (Pereira and others 2005; Costa and Cota 2009).
Productivity in Brazil is affected by the low
technological level of producers, (mainly in the
Northeast, where production techniques are rudimentary,
Bull and Cantarella, 1993), the lack of proper plant
health care, and the occurrence of pest insects (Cruz
et al., 1999).
The fall armyworm, Spodoptera frugiperda
(Smith, 1797), is considered as the pest that causes the
largest damage to corn culture in Brazil (Vendramim and
Fancelli 1988). The economic losses caused by this corn
pest are estimated in over 400 million dollars,
corresponding to 34% of the production (Cruz et al.,
1999).
S. frugiperda attacks in all the plants
phenological stages, destroying its leaves and cartridge,
reaching even the spike (Cruz and Turpin 1982). The
younger larvae eat the tissue of one of the sides of the
leaf, leaving the opposite epidermis intact. After the
second or third instar, the larvae start piercing the leaves,
and then proceed to feed on the corn cartridge, producing
characteristic rows of perforations on the leaves
1756
Costa et al., 2015
(Capinera, 1999). Larval density in the cartridge is low,
due to the cannibalistic behavior of this insect. In
laboratory conditions, its life cycle is completed in 30
days, and the number of eggs (clutch size) varies from
100 to 200 per clutch/female, a single female being able
to lay a total of 1,500 to 2,000 eggs. The caterpillar can
grow longer than 2.5 cm, and the pupa phase occurs
underground (Valicente and Tuelher, 2009). In the phase
with 8-10 leaves, damages are the greatest, and grain
yield loss can reach 18.7% (Cruz and Turpin 1982).
Among the methods used to control S.
frugiperda, the use of chemicals is being increasingly
reduced, with adverse consequences for the beneficial
fauna, pest ressurgence, and environmental
contamination (Gassen, 1996), the development of
resistant populations of the insect, biological unbalance,
and harmful effects to man and other animals, let alone
its high cost (Kogan, 1998); the search for alternatives
that minimize the adverse effects of agrochemicals on
the environment is thus a necessity (Silva et al., 2008;
Silva et al., 2009; Souza et al., 2011).
Control measure decisions should be based on
several factors related to the pest, culture, and
environment (Pedigo 1999; Oliveira et al., 2007). For
this reason, emphasis has been given to the cultural
control method, which is an alternative to agroecological
pest management. Corn intercropped with bean, for
example, is commonly used to reduce damages caused
by the pest, acting as a spatiotemporal physical barrier
and improves the conditions for the development of
natural enemies. For corn intercropped with bean, pest
reduction is quite significant, reaching 37.2% for S.
frugiperda (Milanez, 1987).
Information on the insect-plant
interaction with respect to the damages caused by this
pest, and the oviposition preferences in distinct
phenological stages of the corn culture, are essential to
devise control strategies within integrated pest
management programs. The objective of this study was
Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1755-1762
Costa et al., 2015

Table 1. Average ( ) number of clutches and clutch size of Spodoptera frugiperda per
phenological stage of the plant.

Phenological Stage () number of clutches 1,2 () clutch size 1,3

4-6 3.00 0.94 A 285.00 43.00 B

8-10 5.07 1.57 A 1,534.25 135.91 A
12-14 5.13 0.93 A 1,570.28 43.00 A

1 Averages followed by the same letter in small caps in rows, and large caps in columns, do not differ according to
the Tukey test (P<0.05).
2 Original averages. For statistical analysis, data were transformed into SQRT (X+1).
3 Original averages. For statistical analysis, data were transformed into log (X+1).

to evaluate oviposition preference and the damage
capacity of S. frugiperda on the distinct phenological
stages of the cor
MATERIALS AND METHODS
The experiment was done at the
Chateaubriand Agricultural School (0710'15" South,
3551'13" West, altitude 634 meters), municipality of
Lagoa Seca, Paraba State, Brazil.
2
In two areas of 500 m , corn and corn
intercropped with bean was sown with a spacing of 0.80
x 0.40 m. Hybrid corn seeds of CMS lineage were used.
During the experimental period, the areas received
cultural treatments such as plowing, organic manure
provision, and manual weed removal, except the
application of insecticides after germination. Nearby
areas were cultivated with tomato, corn, and bean.
Clutches and caterpillars were collected weekly
between July and September on 50 randomly distributed
plants, in five sampling spots separated by a distance of
approximately 20 meters. At each spot, 10 plants were
Assis evaluated, four of them on a central row and three others
on each of two lateral rows, alternating the rows closest
to the central row, separated by approximately three
meters. Height and number of leaves per plant, and
clutch location by plant region and placement on the
abaxial and adaxial leaf surfaces, were recorded. With
these data in hand, it was possible to group clutches
according to plant region (lower, middle, and upper) and
study their distribution considering the corns distinct
phenological stages: 4-6, 8-10, and 12-14 leaves (Cruz
and Turpin 1982). Damages caused by S. frugiperdas

Table 2. Average () number of clutches of Spodoptera frugiperda per phenological stage of the plant,
region of the plant, and leaf surface.

Phenological () Clutches / plant region 1, 2 () Clutches / leaf surface 1,2

Lower Middle Upper Abaxial Adaxial
stage n
4-6 8 2.770.97aA 0.00bB 0.230.12bA 2.870.94aA 0.00bB
8-10 8 1.500.59aA 1.750.83aA 1.620.49aA 2.620.86aA 3.501.05aA
12-14 8 1.000.38bA 3.420.73aA 0.710.24bA 1.130.44bA 3.960.84aA

1 Averages followed by the same letter in small caps in rows, and large caps in columns, do not differ according to
the Tukey test (P<0.05).
2 Original averages. For statistical analysis, data were transformed into .

Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1755-1762 1757

 Costa et al., 2015

Table 3. Average () number of caterpillars of Spodoptera frugiperda per phenological stage

and tillage system.

Phenological stage () of caterpillars1

Corn Corn x Bean
4-6 24.33 15.05 aB 30.00 11.16 aA
8-10 34.00 16.33 aB 31.75 9.63 aA
12-14 89.25 13.53 aA 30.50 1.50 bA
Average 49.19 11.77 A 21.75 20.60 B

caterpillars were recorded in the scale: 0) no damage, 1)
leaf scraped, 2) leaf pierced, 3) leaf torn, 4) damage in
cartridge, 5) cartridge destroyed (Cruz and Turpin 1982).
Clutches were placed into plastic vials and taken to the
Entomology Laboratory of the Biological Control Unit,
Paraba State University, where they were kept in glass
vials (8.5 x 2.5 cm). Clutch size (number of eggs) was
quantified based on the number of ecloded caterpillars.
Data on the distribution and number of clutches
and eggs in the distinct phenological stages and regions
in the corn plant were analyzed following the factorial
protocol of 2 x 2 with three levels each, factor A being
the cultures phenological stage (4-6, 8-10, 12-14
leaves), and factor B the plant region (lower, middle, and
upper) or leaf surface (abaxial or adaxial). The average
number of caterpillars and the average damage caused to
the corn plant in monoculture and intercropped with bean
were compared considering the entirely casualized
experimental design. Treatment averages were subjected
to analysis of variance and compared with the Tukey test
(P < 0.05), using the STAT/UNESP program (Unesp,
1991), when significant differences were detected.
RESULTS AND DISCUSSION
We collected clutches of S. frugiperda in all
phenological stages of the corn, 100% located over
leaves. Statistical differences of the average number of
clutches among the three phenological stages of the crop
were not detected; however, average clutch size was
significantly smaller for stage with 4-6 leaves in relation
to stages with 8-10 and 12-14 leaves (Table 1).
The smaller clutch size in the stage with 4-6
leaves is related to the smaller number of eggs laid in the
initial stages of crop development, as observed by
Meneses (1991) Beserra et al., (2002) for rice plants; the
authors related the fact to environmental interferences,
such as exposure to sun rays and low humidity. The rise
in clutch size for stages with 8-10 and 12-14 leaves
coincides with the period of greater attack on corn,
where, according to Cruz and Turpin (1982), the highest
production losses occur, reaching on average 18.7% and
8.6%, respectively.
There was a significant interaction between plant
region (lower, middle, and upper) and phenological stage
of the plant (F=7.21; P<0.05), and between leaf surface
and phenological stage (F=10.96; P<0.05) in relation to
number of clutches (Table 2). When the plant was at the
stage with 4-6 leaves, the largest number of clutches was
observed in the lower plant region, and there was no
preference for oviposition in the mid region. When the
corn was at the stage with 8-10 leaves, clutches were
uniformly distributed, and there were no differences in
plant region; however, the mid region of the plant was
preferred for oviposition at the stage with 12-14 leaves.

1758 Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1755-1762

Costa et al., 2015

Table 4. Average () damage caused by caterpillars of Spodoptera frugiperda by

tillage system.

Phenological stage () of damage grade caused by caterpillars1

Corn Corn x Bean
4-6 3.01 0.014 aA 2.58 0.11 aA
8-10 3.51 0.18 aA 2.78 0.12 bA
12-14 3.60 0.14 aA 2.60 0.1 bA
Average 3.37 0.1 a 2.65 0.06 b

More clutches were recorded on the abaxial surface of
the leaf at the phenological stage with 4-6 leaves,
shifting to the adaxial surface at the subsequent stages
with 8-10 and 12-14 leaves (Table 2).
The alteration in oviposition site suggests that S.
frugiperda females shift the distribution of their layings
depending on the development stage of the plant. At the
cultures initial stages, with 4-6 leaves, the female
probably seeks shelter for its eggs, protecting them from
disseccation and natural enemies, preferring the plants
lower region and the leafs abaxial surface, where
humidity is higher and clutches can be more concealed.
At the stages with 8-10 and 12-14 leaves, leaf mass is
greater, with a great increase in humidity and protection
capability, and females select the mid and upper regions
of the plant and the adaxial surface of the leaf, located
closer to the plants cartridge, a feeding and shelter site
for caterpillars. Pitre and others (1983) verified that, in
grasses like sorghum and corn, the plants lower region
and the leafs abaxial surface are preferred for
oviposition as long as they provide shelter and
protection. This strategy of oviposition of the pest, in
corn, is focused on protection from natural enemies or an
adequate place for caterpillar foraging as long as females
lay their eggs in areas close to larvae feeding grounds
(Beserra et al., 2002). Labatte (1993) also noticed that
caterpillars prefer to forage on the lower region of the
corn plant at the stage with 4-6 leaves, foraging
occurring preferentially between the cartridge and young
leaves at the stages with more than 10 leaves. After the
corns fertilization, at the stages with 12-14 leaves,
caterpillars migrate to the plants mid region, close to
where spikes develop, and stay on the leaves and spikes.
This distribution of clutches and larvae was also reported
for Ostrinia nubilalis (Hb) by Shelton and others (1986)
and Labatte (1991), and for S. frugiperda by Beserra and
others (2002), who concluded that the corns
phenological stage is one of the main factors affecting
oviposition preference and damages from the pest.
There were significant differences between
tillage systems, with averages of 49.19 and 21.75
caterpillars, and average damage caused by S. frugiperda
of 3.37 and 2.65, for corn in monoculture and corn
intercropped with bean, respectively (Tables 3 and 4),
intercropping reducing the pests population and
damages caused. A higher number of caterpillars at the
stage with 12-14 leaves stage was recorded for corn in
monoculture; however, this greater infestation did not
reflect in a greater average damage in relation to the
stage with 4-6 and 8-10 leaves, with average damage
varying from 3.01 to 3.60. On corn intercropped with
bean, infestation and average damage caused by S.
frugiperda remained constant, no differences having
been noticed among stages with respect to those

Journal of Research in Biology (2015) 5(4): 1755-1762 1759

 Costa et al., 2015

variables (Tables 3 and 4). phenological stages of the plant; iii) The largest
The reduction in crop damage in the infestation and larger pest damage occurred in
intercropping system is corroborated by data obtained by monoculture (only corn); iv) The polyculture system is
Altieri and others (1977) and Oliveira and others (1995), recommended as well as reduce pest damage favors
who recorded a reduction of the damage caused by S. natural enemies
frugiperda of up to 14.0% when corn was sown
intercropped with bean and caupi-bean, respectively. ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
Therefore, it was noticed that in diversified systems with We thank CNPq for sponsoring the research and
more than one crop there is a reduction in infestation and Doctor Jos Pires Dantas for his relevant contributions
damage caused by the pest. This is attributed to a greater for this study.
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