Int. J. Biosci.

2017

International Journal of Biosciences | IJB |

ISSN: 2220-6655 (Print), 2222-5234 (Online)
http://www.innspub.net
Vol. 10, No. 6, p. 101-107, 2017

RESEARCH PAPER OPEN ACCESS

Efficacy of caffeine and garlic oil against rose-ringed parakeet

on maize seeds in captive conditions

Asif Masih1, Shahzad Ahmad*1, Farhat Jabeen1, Tayyaba Sultana1, Salma Sultana1,
Bilal Hussain1, Sajid Yaqub1, Sami Mubarik1, Hammad Ahmad Khan2,
Qazi Adnan Ahmad1, Rashida Kanwal3

1
Department of Zoology, Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
2
Department of Zoology, Wildlifeand Fisheries, University of Agriculture, Faisalabad, Pakistan
3
Department of Biology, Govt. Girls Higher Secondary School, Hafiz Sherazi, Bhakkar, Pakistan

Key words: Psittacula krameri, Garlic oil, Caffeine, Maize

http://dx.doi.org/10.12692/ijb/10.6.101-107 Article published on June 16, 2017

Abstract

Among various bird pests rose-ringed parakeet iscategorically the nastiest one that caused economic losses to
crops and fruit orchards. Different mechanical and chemical repellents have been reported to manage these
losses throughout the world. Present study was designed to probe the efficacy of caffeine and garlic oil against
rose-ringed parakeet in captive conditions. It has been observed that consumption of maize seeds was
(0.48±0.26) and (17.00±3.61) in trial and control groups respectively, which showed highly significant
(P≤0.01) variance when maize seeds treated with garlic oil were provided to the caged parakeets. Similarly
with caffeine treated maize seeds a highly significant difference (P≤0.01) was also observed among trial
(5.70±0.44)and control (17.27±3.95)group. It showed that both chemicals showed better repellency against
the caged parrots when treated seeds were provided.
* Corresponding Author: Shahzad Ahmad  [email protected]

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Introduction More than 90% of the caffeine treated rice seeds

Many bird pests cause serious economic losses to remained unconsumed when treated with 1% caffeine
valuable crops and orchards all over the world. Cereal while more than 80% untreated rice seeds were
crops and fruit orchards are seriously affected fields consumed by the blackbirds. Zobia et al. (2015)
by the birds. Way (1968) observed more than 90% investigated that anthraquinone is the best repellent
losses on cherry fields whereas in Northeastern than methylanthranilate and shown highly significant
United States farmers of blueberry calculated 30% difference (P≤ 0.01) when seeds of maize were given
bird damage and according to Dellamano (2006), 10 to house crows in captivity.
% damage was recorded in USA at a cost of $10
million. Bird depredation has been found not only at Present studies were designed as the economic losses

mature fruits and crops but also at seeds and caused by avian pests are in millions every year and to

seedlings stages. In Pakistan, yield of maize varieties overcome these losses eco-friendly chemical

are shockingly lower and it is planted on an estimated repellents are necessary to be introduced. A huge gap

area of 0.9 million hectares with an annual have been found in the field of bird pest management
as the literacy rate is low in many developing
production of 1.3 million tons. Maize is the highest
countries and farmers rely on traditional methods to
productive cereal crop in the world and has a vital
control the bird pests. In our study different
importance for countries like Pakistan, where rapidly
concentrations of caffeine and garlic oil were
increasing population has already facing the shortage
prepared and evaluated in the caged experiments,
of food supply (PARC, 2006). Shafi et al. (1986)
against the rose-ringed parakeets on maize seeds. In
suggested that the rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula
all six rose-ringed parakeets were captured from the
krameri) intensively feeds on maize and sunflower
vicinity of Faisalabad, Pakistan. Of these, three were
and caused heavy economic losses to crops and fruit
kept in aviary-I (treatment group) and three in
orchards in Pakistan. Long (1981) found that rose-
aviary-II (control group). Following objectives were
ringed parakeet damaged the maize vigorously. He
made for our study.
further reported that there is average loss of 21% of
maize crop due to parakeet depredations. Ahmad et
● To observe the relative effectiveness of caffeine and
al. (2011) observed that in unguarded conditions a
garlic oil on maize seeds against rose-ringed parakeet.
heavy economic loss caused by rose-ringed parakeets
due to damage of maize and sunflower crop in Central ● To ascertain the concentration of caffeine and garlic

Punjab, Pakistan. oil which best repel from treated maize seeds.

● To determine the feeding behavior of rose ringed

It has been observed that some mechanical devices parakeet (Psittacula krameri) against the treated and
are effective for a short period of time after that bird untreated seeds of maize.
become familiar for a specific technique. Therefore,
the treatment of seeds, crops and fruit orchards with Materials and methods
bird repellents could be more beneficial, if we want to Rose-ringed parakeet (Psittacula krameri) foraging
protect the crops and fruits on large scale areas and experiment was conducted on June 20, 2014, in the
can also increase the yield as well. Only small vicinity of Botanical Garden at New Campus,
numbers of chemicals are present to control the avian Government College University, Faisalabad, Pakistan
depredations of crops and orchards. Avery et al. which provided rather natural and undisturbed
(2005) observed that a treatment of 0.25% environment to the birds. Parakeets of undetermined
(2500ppm) reduced the consumption of rice seeds sex and age were captured from the local area and
treated with caffeine as much as 76% in the cage were tagged and released into two aviaries (large bird
feeding trials against blackbirds and in the field cages, dimension 12Lx12Wx8H feet) and weight of
experiments also concluded that it was highly each bird was determined at the start and end of the
effective. experiment.

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Acclimatization Treatment experiment

In each aviary, for roosting and perching the birds, In all six rose-ringed parakeets (Psittacula krameri)
wooden bars, tree branches, stones or models were were taken. Of these, three were kept in aviary-I
(treatment group) and three were in aviary-II (control
provided and to monitor the feeding responses
group). After pretreatment trial, food choice
against the untreated and treated maize seeds two
experiments were conducted for three consecutive
closed circuit cameras were also adjusted in roof
days with each concentration for about three hours in
corners in opposite sides. Through the entire period
each morning, whereas left over the day maintenance
of research, the water was provided ad libitum in each diet was provided. Each day consumed and
aviary. All the birds were provided grains, fruits, unconsumed weight of treated and untreated seeds
garden plants, sunflower and maize ad libitum for 10 was measured. There was one day gap in every
days of acclimatization period. Four food bowls were treatment phase during this period in both aviaries
placed in each aviary in the center. Aviary-I, was maintenance diet was provided.

treated as treatment group whereas aviary-II, as

Statistical analysis
control group.
For each experiment daily consumption was
estimated by subtracting the weight remaining in pots
Feed preparation and repellent concentrations
from the initial weight. Resultant weight was divided
Different w/w concentrations that are 0.25%, 0.5%, by the initial weight to get the percentage
0.75%, 1% of caffeine and 4%, 8%, 12%, 16%, 20% and consumption. Finally, the recovered data was
25%of garlic oil were prepared and evaluated, for this statistically analyzed by using Analysis of
purpose 150grams of maize seeds were taken and Variance.LSD test was further used to isolate the
soaked in water for one night then treated with significance difference among means. All analyses
different concentrations of both repellents. Then were performed with software statistics 8.0

seeds were air dried and again weighed and three

Results
packets of 50gram with each concentration of both
After 10 days of acclimatization period treatment tests
repellents were packed in separate polythene bags were carried out from June 2014 to September, 2014.
and stored in air conditioned laboratory of The maize treatment phase against rose-ringed
Department of Zoology, Government College parakeet was conducted from 5th July 2014 to 20th
University, Faisalabad, Pakistan, in darkness. August 2014 treated with both repellents.

Table 1. Analysis of variance for maize seeds treated with garlic oil against rose-ringed parakeet.
Source of variation Degrees of freedom Sum of squares Mean squares F-value
Date 2 6.92 3.46 4.79**
Conc. (C) 5 164.87 32.97 180.48**
Trial (T) 1 1242.33 1242.33 8.70**
(C x T) 5 299.36 59.87
Error 22 151.44 6.88
Total 35 1864.92
** = Highly significant (P<0.01).

Treatment with garlic oil in each aviary for three consecutive days in the
Aviary-I was designated as treatment group in which morning time for three hours. Statistically, it was
rose-ringed parakeets were first provided the seeds of observed that a highly significant (P<0.01) difference
maize treated with garlic oil. Fifty grams treated and was seenamongtrial and control groups (T) and
untreated seeds of maize were provided to these birds between interaction of different concentrations (C) of

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garlic oil and treatment while in between different control group was (17.00±3.61) and the overall mean
concentrations (C) there existed a significant maize seed consumption when treated with different
(P<0.05) difference (Table 1). concentrations of garlic oil in trial group is
(3.59±0.97) while in control group the overall mean
The comparison of means between trial (T) and consumption is (15.34±1.05) when untreated maize
control group shows that the garlic oil is a best seeds were provided. This shows that the garlic oil is
repellent for controlling the depredation of parakeets much effective in controlling the consumption of
on maize. maize seeds. Moreover, the comparison among the
various concentrations of garlic oil shows that the rate
At the concentration of 25% of garlic oil the of consumption decreased with the increase in
consumption of maize seeds was (0.48±0.26) while in concentration of garlic oil (Table 2).

Table 2. Comparison of means of maize seeds consumption (gms) when treated with different concentration of
garlic oil between control and trial group.
Conc. Trial group Control group Mean
4% 9.77 ± 1.96de 13.96 ± 0.98bcd 11.87 ± 1.35A
8% 7.93 ± 0.95e 14.36 ± 1.22bc 11.15 ± 1.60A
12% 1.43 ± 0.22f 10.39 ± 1.90cde 5.91 ± 2.18B
16% 1.01 ± 0.25f 14.73 ± 1.27bc 7.87 ± 3.12B
20% 0.92 ± 0.36f 21.59 ± 0.83a 11.26 ± 4.64A
25% 0.48 ± 0.26f 17.00 ± 3.61b 8.74 ± 4.03AB
Mean 3.59 ± 0.97B 15.34 ± 1.05A

Means sharing similar letter in a row or in a column are statistically non-significant (P>0.05). Small letters
represent comparison among interaction means and capital letters are used for overall mean.

Treatment with caffeine concentrations (C) of caffeine whereas a non-

In the next phase the maize seeds treated with significant difference was existed among the
different concentrations of caffeine were offered to interaction (C x T), of concentrations and treatment
the caged rose-ringed parakeets and it was seen that a (Table 3). The comparison of means between trial and
highly significant (P<0.01) variance existed among control groups showed that the caffeine is also
the trail and control group (T) and a significant effective repellent in controlling the depredations of
(P<0.05) difference was found among different parakeets on maize seeds.

Table 3. Analysis of variance for caffeine against rose-ringed parakeet on maize seeds.
Source of variation Degrees of Sum of squares Mean squares F-value
freedom
Date 2 46.08 23.041
Conc. (C) 3 218.47 72.822 4.14*
Trial (T) 1 534.21 534.210 30.36**
(C ×T) 3 16.18 5.395 0.31NS
Error 14 246.38 17.598
Total 23 1061.32

NS = Non-significant (P>0.05); * = Significant (P<0.05); ** = Highly significant (P<0.01).

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 Int. J. Biosci. 2017

At the concentration of 1% of caffeine the untreated maize seeds was (19.45±1.49). Moreover,
consumption in trial group was (5.70±0.44) while in the comparison among the various concentrations of
control group (17.27±3.95). The overall mean caffeine shows that the rate of consumption
consumption in trial group was (10.01±1.33) while in decreased with the increase in concentration of
control group the overall mean consumption of caffeine (Table 4).

Table 4. Comparison of means for maize seeds consumption (gms) when treated with different concentrations of
caffeine between control and trial group.
Conc. Trial group Control group Means
0.25% 15.78 ± 2.11bc 23.54 ± 0.84a 19.66 ± 2.01A
0.50% 10.17 ± 2.05cd 18.08 ± 3.91ab 14.13 ± 2.65B
0.75% 8.40 ± 1.63d 18.90 ± 2.39ab 13.65 ± 2.68B
1.00% 5.70 ± 0.44d 17.27 ± 3.95abc 11.48 ± 3.14B
Means 10.01 ± 1.33B 19.45 ± 1.49A
Means sharing similar letter in a row or in a column are statistically non-significant (P>0.05).

It was observed that rose-ringed parakeets were The mean consumption of maize seeds in trial and
influenced quickly by consuming maize seeds treated control group were (5.70±0.44) and (17.27±3.95)
with caffeine and garlic oil. Parakeets displayed respectively. Moreover, it was observed that the
notable head-shaking and feather disrupting after few lowest consumption (g) of maize seeds occurred when
minutes of exposure and less consumption was treated with 25% v/v garlic oil concentration
observed in trial group, though some parrots ate (0.48±0.26) and with caffeine 1% w/v, it was
gradually for about 25 minutes and sign of discomfort (5.70±0.44). The present results were very much
and vomiting were observed. However, throughout consistent with Avery et al. (2005), who observed the
the study no death was observed. similar results with caffeine treated rice seeds against
the blackbirds.
The currents study disclosed that caffeine and garlic
oil posses a repellent capability when maize seeds
Avery et al. (2005) observed that a treatment of
treated with caffeine and garlic oil were provided to
0.25% caffeine on rice seeds reduced the
rose-ring parrots in an aviary condition.
consumption as much as 76%. During field
experiments in Louisiana for the control of damage
Discussion
The present study reveals that caffeine and garlic oil caused by the blackbirds on rice seeds treated with

have the repellent capability when seeds of maize 1%they concluded that caffeine was highly effective.

treated with both chemicals were provided to rose- More than 90% of the caffeine treated rice seeds

ringed parakeet in captive conditions. In the first remained unconsumed when treated with 1% caffeine
phase of experiment garlic oil was used as repellent while greater than 80% untreated rice seeds were
and seeds of maize seeds when treated with garlic oil consumed by the blackbirds.
a highly significant difference (P≤0.01) was observed
and the mean consumption (g) of maize seeds among Similar results were also obtained when

trial and control group was (0.48±0.26) and methylanthranilate treated seeds were provided to

(17.00±3.61) respectively. In the second phase of different birds and similarly when anthraquinone
experiment the seeds of maize treated with the treated seeds were offered to ring-necked pheasants
different concentrations of the caffeine were offered (Phasianus colchicus), red-winged blackbirds
to parakeets, and highly significant variations was (Agelaius phoeniceus), Canada geese (Branta
observed in trial and control group (P≤0.01). canadensis), Dickcissels (Spiza americana), ducks

105 Masih et al.

 Int. J. Biosci. 2017

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