Preliminary evaluation of effects of <i>Mucuna pruriens</i> DC <i>var utilis</i>. seed extracts on feeding of termites

Abstract

During preparation of beans for human consumption, the beans are repeatedly boiled and the resultant large volume of L-dopa rich water discarded to the soil. This might lead to high concentrations of L-dopa in the soil or biomass that comes into contact with the discarded water. The objective of this study was to evaluate effects of L-dopa-rich extracts from Mucuna pruriens DC var. utilis on feeding of subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus. Coptotermes formosanus termites were exposed to filter paper discs treated with water extracts of Mucuna pruriens seed at three different concentrations (half, equal to and double the  content of extracts in original mucuna seed). There was significant difference (P < 0.05) in weight losses of filter paper discs and termite mortality between control and treated paper discs. It was found that the
practice of discarding water used to detoxify mucuna beans to the environment affects survival of ecologically important animals such as
subterranean termites, Coptotermes formosanus. For this reason, it is recommended that disposal of this L-dopa rich water be monitored by local
authorities by confining the bean processing activity to special areas where there are disposal facilities such as treatment lagoons.

Keywords: Coptotermes formosanus; extracts; feeding deterrents; filter paper disc; L-dopa; Masasi; Mucuna pruriens & phytochemicals