International Journal of Ecology and Environmental Sciences 27:
45-49, 2001
© International Scientific Publications, New Delhi
Effect of Polyphenols in Leaf Litter on Energy Content and Respiration of
Detritivore Soil Arthropod Species
S.K. Maity and V.C. Joy
ABSTRACT
Microcosm experiments were conducted to test whether major anti-nutrient chemicals in the
leaf litter of different forest trees could affect the energy content and rate of
respiration in Anoplodesmus saussurei (Diplopoda), a detritivore arthropod. The
detritivore preferred to feed on Dalbergia sissoo and Cassia siamea
litter with low initial polyphenol content than on Acacia auriculiformis and Shorea
robusta litter with high polyphenol content even after decomposition for 30 days.
Rapid decline of total carbohydrates and polyphenols indicated microbial conditioning of
leaf litter and leaching of water-soluble components. Cassia litter provided
highest energy content to the detritivore whereas the animals reared on Shorea
litter had lowest calorific values. Artificial treatment of phenol on decomposing Cassia
litter also resulted into notable decrease in the calorific values of A. saussurei.
However, this could not significantly affect the rate of respiration suggesting that
phenol probably acted as a feeding deterrent only and did not produce any notable
physiological stress on this model detritivore species.
Key Words: Anoplodesmus saussurei, Calorific content, Detritivore soil
arthropods, Leaf litter decomposition, Polyphenols.