Abstract
Earthworms are soil invertebrates which play a major role in recycling organic matter in soils. The unique microenvironment of the earthworm gut impacts on the catabolic activities of ingested soil microorganisms. The ingested microbial populations play an important role in earthworm nutrition by helping in the breakdown of organic matter. A study was carried out to find out the distribution of microorganisms in the gut of earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae. The vermibeds were prepared with cow dung and pre-decomposed banyan leaf litter. The population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes were determined in the gut regions (foregut, midgut and hindgut) of earthworm E. eugeniae. The predominant microorganisms found in the foregut, midgut and hindgut were bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi respectively. It was observed that there are variations in the population of microorganisms in the foregut, midgut and hindgut. This report shows the distribution of various microorganisms in the gut regions and how it favors the animal to have a healthy life in the environment.
Highlights
The intestine of the worm contains microorganisms and gut enzymes
E. eugeniae were collected from the Vermiculturing Unit maintained by the Department of Biosciences, NASC, Coimbatore, brought to the laboratory and mass cultured in a culture tank (1m×1m×1m) containing urine free cow dung
It was found that there was a gradual increase in their population from the initial day to final day
Summary
The intestine of the worm contains microorganisms and gut enzymes. The microflora in the intestine of earthworm decomposes these triturated and particulated particles [1]. The number of organisms in the cast is more than the surrounding soil [2]. Recent studies by Reference [3] have shown the occurrence of a variety of species of microorganisms in the gut of earthworms. The diversity of types and number of fungi, bacteria, actinomycetes, yeast and protozoa in the gut and casts of L. mauritii, E. eugeniae, E. fetida and P. excavates fed on different substrates were reported by many of the researchers. Similar to the occurrence of greater number of microbes in the gut of earthworms, the cast contains more microorganisms
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
