Cytotoxicity of Plant Extract Origanum syriacum on Gametogenesis of Two Terrestrial Slugs, Using TEM

Abdel-Haleem Aa

doi:10.4172/2157-7099.1000224

Abstract

The present study includes ultrastructural aspects of molluscicidal effects of wild botanic aqueous extract, namely Za’ater plant (Origanum syriacum) on the gametogenesis of two terrestrial slugs, giant grey slug Limax maximus and tree slug L. marginatus. L. marginatus was more susceptible to this plant than L. maximus (LC90 are 445.1 and 460.2 for L. marginatus and L. maximus respectively). The present results revealed that Za’ater’s extract had adverse effects on gametogenesis of the treated slugs, including marked inhibition of the various stages of gametogenesis, besides intracellular accumulation of the toxic agents of Za’ater-plant. Therefore, the treatment of the tested slugs with LC90 of Za’ater extract can be recommended for controlling such slugs in the field, instead of using chemical pesticides that continuously pollute the environment.

Highlights

The giant grey slug Limax maximus [1] measures 10-20 cm in length and is generally light grey or grey-brown colored with darker spots and blotches
The present study aimed to examine the effect of the plant O. syriacum on the slugs L. maximus and L. marginatus, manifested by the ultrastructural changes in their gametogenetic stages
Susceptibility of slugs to the plant extract (Table 1) and (Figures 1 and 2) show the susceptibility of the slugs Limax maximus and L. marginatus to Za’ater-extract, where L. marginatus was more susceptible to this plant than L. maximus, i.e. L. maximus recorded higher mean mortality percentage than L. marginatus, where LC50-values of Za’ater were 217.4 and 241.9 whereas

Summary

Introduction

The giant grey slug Limax maximus [1] measures 10-20 cm in length and is generally light grey or grey-brown colored with darker spots and blotches. Concerning tree slug Limax marginatus [2], it can grow up to 7 cm in length, body colour is pale grey and is marked by two dark lines on both sides of the body and it is found mostly climbing trees. Certain terrestrial slugs became serious gardenpests in Egypt infesting numerous agronomic, horticultural and ornamental plants. The plant molluscicides must have a high potency to slugs and low toxicity to non-tested living organisms. These plants must further be the source of cheap, effective and environmentally acceptable products [5]

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Results

Conclusion