Eudrilus Eugeniae Research Articles

Enhancing the wound healing potential using earthworm clitellum factors and elucidating its molecular mechanism in an in-vitro and earthworm model

Earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae cannot survive and regenerate without clitellum segments. In regenerating worms, the clitellum’s epithelial and circular muscular layers are reduced to one-third, and longitudinal cell layers to half. In C2C12 cells, Clitellum Factors (CF − 5, 25 and 50%) and Regenerative Clitellum Factors (RCF − 5, 25, 50, 75%) ameliorate the cell viability up to 20–28% and 30–38% respectively than the control. In contrast, extracts from body segments negatively influence cell viability up to 80%. In a scratch-wound assay, 25% RCF and 5% CF achieved 99.86% and 81.54% wound closure in 24 h, respectively, compared to 40% in controls. RCF and CF also possess enhanced anti-microbial activity against gram + ve bacteria. Western Blotting reveals that Wnt3a, HoxD3 and VEGF were remarkably upregulated in RCF and CF treated samples and their upregulated stemness property is effectively regulated by p53, TCTP, H2AX, Cleaved Caspase-3 proteins. Immunofluorescence data clearly states that Wnt3a and Caspase-3 signals are more profoundly observed in nuclear over cytoplasm in RCF treated samples and H2AX shows less nuclear signals than CF. In in-vivo earthworm model conditions, RCF remarkably promotes the survivability and wound healing ability by promoting the Wnt3a and VEGF expression together with downregulation of Cox2.

Unravelling the detoxification trail of potential toxic heavy metals: an insight into heavy metal auditing and ecological health upon valorisation by Lampito mauritii and Eudrilus eugeniae.

Evidence on prospective remediation of municipal solid waste contaminated with toxic heavy metals by Eudrilus eugeniae (Eu) and Lampito mauritii (L) is very scarce and yet to be explored. In this study, heavy metal detoxification potential of E. eugeniae and L. mauritii in municipal solid waste (MSW) + cowdung (CD) (3:1)-based feedstocks were investigated against Eisenia fetida (E) (a well-known vermi-remediator) and aerobic composting. Excellent reduction (70.01-93.04%) of potentially toxic heavy metals (PTHMs) (Pb, Cr, Cd and Zn) were evident in both E. eugeniae and L. mauritii employed treatments. Moreover, the results on heavy metal budget quotient clearly demonstrated the unique detoxification route undertaken by E. eugeniae and L. mauritii via humic composite facilitated chelation over the nominal bioaccumulation pathway. The principal component analysis (PCA) confirmed the strong negative correlation between the heavy metal (HM) level in earthworm gut and MSW substrate, whereas a strong positive correlation between humic substances and HM remediation. Furthermore, analysis of ecological health parameters indicated substantial reduction of environmental risk and guaranteed negligible risk of PTHM if utilized as manure. Moreover, significant increment in total N content (3.2-3.8-fold), available P (4-5.9-fold), exchangeable K (3.66-fourfold) and enzyme activity along with significant reduction of TOC (~ 87%) confirmed E. eugeniae and L. mauritii could effectively stabilize MSW. Thus, the metal-binding potential of humic substances produced by earthworms during the detoxification of municipal solid waste (MSW), coupled with a metal budget analysis, has offered valuable insights into the usage of E. eugeniae and L. mauritii as effective contenders for sanitizing heavy metal-laden MSW.

Microbial biosurfactant-mediated green synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) and exploring their role in enhancing chickpea and rice seed germination

Malnutrition is one of the greatest challenges faced by humanity, which may be addressed by improving crop productivity to ensure food security. However, extensive use of synthetic fertilizers can lead to soil fertility degradation. This study highlights the potential of combining nanotechnology with biotechnology to enhance the germination rates of commercially important crop seeds. Bacterial biosurfactant extracted from a newly isolated Klebsiella sp. strain RGUDBI03 was used as a reducing and capping agent for the synthesis of zinc oxide nanoparticles (ZnO NPs) through a simple method. Extensive characterization of ZnO NPs through electron microscopic analysis showed well-dispersed, homogeneous NPs with a size range of 2–10 nm. High-resolution transmission electron microscopy (HR-TEM) images also revealed molecular fringes of 0.26 nm in single crystal ZnO NPs, with approximately 50% of the NPs exhibiting a size range of 2–4 nm. X-ray diffraction (XRD) results of ZnO NPs indicated the presence of (100), (002), (101), (102), (200), and (112) planes, confirming their crystalline nature. The presence of C = C–H, C = C, C–H, and C = C groups in both the bacterial biosurfactant and ZnO NPs, as depicted by Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectra, confirmed the function of the biosurfactant as a reducing and capping agent. The nano-primed chickpea (Cicer arietinum) and rice (Oryza sativa) seeds showed an increase in water uptake rate, 89% and 92% respectively, compared to the control (73% and 44%), leading to an enhanced germination rate of 98% and 76%, compared to their respective controls (80% and 30%) under optimized conditions. Additionally, the nano-primed seeds exhibited higher levels of α-amylase activity in both seeds (0.37 mg/g for chickpea and 2.49 mg/g for rice) compared to the control. Notably, the ZnO NP priming solution exhibited no cytotoxicity on red blood cells and earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae), indicating their non-cytotoxic and eco-friendly nature for future field trials.

Growth and Reproduction Performance of the Earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) Fed with Different Substrates Made of Palm Oil Empty Fruit Bunches: A Case of Vermicompost Production, Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire

The objective of the present study is to analyze the growth capacity and activity of the worm species Eudrilus eugeniae in different substrates based on palm oil empty fruit bunches as part of the production of vermicompost. To this end, 4 treatments were carried out by adding to palm oil empty fruit bunches other substrates readily available in the environment, notably Chromolaena odorata leaves and grass clippings. 1.5 L plastic boxes were filled with 800 g of soil and 300 g of various precomposted substrates. In each box, 4 earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) were seeded. A total of 4 treatments were carried out: T1 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + earthworms), T2 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + earthworms), T3 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + grass clippings + earthworms) and T4 (palm oil empty fruit bunches + Chromolaena odorata + grass clippings + earthworms). For the different vermicomposts based on palm oil empty fruit bunches, growth parameters and Eudrilus eugeniae activity were better in treatments T3 and T4. These same treatments also showed significant variation in substrate quantity after vermicomposting. The combination of palm oil empty fruit bunches and green waste (Chromolaena odorata and grass clippings) would be ideal for the production of vermicompost with good agronomic potential to be applied as an organic amendment to cultivated plants.

Efficacy of Chicken Feather Vermicompost From Poultry Waste for Sunflower Growth with a Sustainable Development SDG

Objective: This study aims to evaluate the effect of different chicken feather vermicompost rates collected from poultry waste and applied as organic fertilizers on the growth performance of sunflowers. Theoretical Framework: In this study, the chicken feather vermicompost was formulated based on the combination of chicken feathers, chicken dung, mushroom medium residue, and banana trunks. The completed chicken feather vermicompost was applied to the sunflower to evaluate the growth performance. Method: The methodology involved five different rates; T1 Control (300g organic fertilizer), T2 (200g chicken feather vermicompost), T3 (300g chicken feather vermicompost), T4 (400g chicken feather vermicompost), and T5 (500g chicken feather vermicompost). Total of 35 sunflower plants were applied with 5 treatments for 7 replications. Results and Discussion: The physio-chemical properties of chicken feather vermicompost, such as EC, pH, moisture, and temperature were optimal for decomposition organism growth and reproduction. The population and reproduction of Eudrilus eugeniae in vermicompost are influenced by all ingredients used in vermicomposting. The results show that the different chicken feather vermicompost rate affects sunflowers' growth performance. T5 exhibits the best performance in the number of flowers, number of leaves, relative chlorophyll content, fresh weight, and dry weight. Research Implications: By considering the chicken feather vermicomposting method, it is useful in reducing environmental pollution by managing waste efficiently. Originality/Value: This study provides a new technique for maximizing poultry waste through the chicken feather vermicomposting process and identifies the optimum rate of chicken feather vermicompost on growth performance of sunflowers for sustainable agriculture.

Low-energy electric shock ameliorates cell proliferation, morphallaxis, and regeneration via driving key regenerative proteins in earthworm and 3T3 cells

Electric stimulation regulates many cellular processes like cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and cellular migration. Despite its crucial role in regulating stem cells and regeneration, it remains underexplored in both in-vivo and in-vitro settings. In this study, Eudrilus eugeniae are subjected to electric stimulation (1.5 V) prior and after amputation and which augments regeneration up to double-time. Blocking epimorphosis using 2 M thymidine retracts regeneration kinetics to one-third but such inhibition was rescued by applying electric stimulation which propels an overactive morphallaxis pattern of regeneration. Excreting electric stimulation on control worms shows minimal impact, whereas it enhances the key regenerative proteins like VEGF, COX2, YAP, c-Myc, and Wnt3a on amputated worms. Upon blocking epimorphosis, all these key regenerative proteins are down-regulated but through electric stimulation, the cells are reprogrammed to express a triple fold of the mentioned regenerative proteins, that further promotes morphallaxis. In 3T3 cells, electric stimulation accelerates cell proliferation and migrations in 5 secs exposure and it exerts its function by overexpressing VEGF mediated by MEK1. Wnt3a expression was gradually upregulated in increasing exposure (5 and 25 secs) which aids in maintaining the stemness property. The molecular mechanism underlying regeneration capability can assist in designing novel therapeutic applications.

Advanced Vermicomposting Modality: Microbial Acceleration to Improve Micronutrient Profile of Agricultural Residue Derived Compost

Advancing circular economies and self-reliant agricultural systems will critically depend on innovative strategies to optimize resource utilization and agro-waste recycling for the sustainability of food production. The present study is focused on the potential of vermitechnology with diverse substrate compositions in bioconverting lignocellulosic agricultural residues into nutrient-rich amendments. Trials of vermicomposting were carried out exploiting Eudrilus eugeniae and a fungal decomposer consortium, Pusa Decomposer. Treatments included T1: Gliricidia sepium leaves (GL), T2: Banana pseudostem (BP), T3: Rice straw (RS), T4: Rice husk (RH), T5 (RS + BP – 8:1 w/w), T6 (RH + BP - 8:1 w/w), T7 (RH + RS + BP – 4:4:1 w/w) and T8 (RH + RS + BP + GL – 4:4:0.5:0.5 w/w) with 3 replications in CRD. T2 expressed peak Mn, Zn and Cu values at 418.40 mg kg-1, 247.50 mg kg-1 and 55.12 mg kg-1, respectively. T3 reported summit Fe and B at 8669.50 mg kg-1 and 37.00 mg kg-1, respectively. It was found that the combination of RS and BP reported excellent nutrient solubilization and enhanced EC, which ratiocinates the role of substrate mix in determining vermicompost quality. These findings emphasize the importance of substrate selection and microbial augmentation with fungal decomposer consortia such as Pusa decomposer, which optimize the vermicomposting process for nutrient recovery and improved soil health.

Fate of chlordecone in soil food webs in a banana agroecosystem in Martinique

Large quantities of chlordecone-based insecticides were produced and used throughout the world. One of its most important uses was to control the damage caused by Cosmopolites sordidus in banana-growing regions. In the islands of Martinique and Guadeloupe, 18,000 ha of farmland are potentially contaminated. Despite the key role played by soil macrofauna in agroecosystems, there are currently no data on their contamination. The aim of this study was to explore the fate of chlordecone (CLD) and its transfer to different organisms of the soil food web.Seven species of invertebrates representing different taxonomic groups and trophic levels of the soil communities of Martinique were targeted and collected in six experimental banana fields, with a level of contamination within a range of values classically observed. Soil samples and macrofauna from the study sites were analysed for CLD and chlordecol (CLDOH) its main transformation product. The contamination of the soil fauna were related to δ15N (trophic level), proportion of soil ingestion (diet) and types of epidermis (mucus or exoskeleton) in order to study the different mechanisms of macrofauna contamination.Presence of CLD and CLDOH could be quantified in all the soil organisms from contaminated fields. Results showed a significant relationship between the CLD contamination of detritivorous and the ash content of their faeces, suggesting that soil ingestion was the main contamination pathway. In contrast, the exoskeleton-bearing diplopod Trigoniulus coralinus and the soft-bodied earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae, both detritivores with a comparable diet, had similar contamination levels, suggesting that the type of tegument has little influence on bioaccumulation. At the scale of the entire trophic network, a significant relationship was uncovered between δ15N values and CLD contamination of the fauna, therefore providing some in situ evidence for a bioamplification process along the soil food chain.

Development of a training manual to enhance agriculturists' knowledge and skills in using African nightcrawler earthworm fertilizer for environmental conservation

The aim of this research was to create a training manual that promotes the use of African nightcrawler earthworm fertilizer for environmental conservation among agriculturists. Additionally, the study aimed to compare the knowledge, attitudes, and skills related to using African nightcrawler earthworm fertilizer for environmental conservation before and after training. The sample included 30 agriculturists from Ban Han, Moo 4, Kwao sub-district, Muang district, Maha Sarakham province. Research instruments included a training manual, knowledge test, attitude test, and skills test related to the use of the fertilizer. Data were analyzed using percentage, mean, standard deviation, and paired t-test with a statistical significance level of .05. The findings were as follows: 1) The training manual was found to be effective, with an efficiency rate of 88.93/81.07, meeting the established criteria. Agriculturists showed a 65.15% improvement in their knowledge of African nightcrawler earthworm fertilizer for environmental conservation after using the manual. 2) The agriculturists' average scores in knowledge, attitude, and practical skills related to using the fertilizer were significantly higher after training, with a statistical significance level of .05.

Trichoderma-Bioenriched Vermicompost Induces Defense Response and Promotes Plant Growth in Thai Rice Variety "Chor Khing".

Vermicompost (VC) produced by African nightcrawler earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) is a natural fertilizer with a rich microbial community. Trichoderma asperelloides PSU-P1 is an effective antagonistic microorganism with multifaceted activity mechanisms. This research aimed to develop Trichoderma-bioenriched vermicompost (TBVC) to promote plant growth and induce the defense response in the Thai rice variety "Chor Khing". T. asperelloides PSU-P1 was tested against Rhizoctonia solani, the pathogen of sheath blight disease, using a dual-culture assay. The results showed that T. asperelloides PSU-P1 effectively inhibited R. solani in vitro growth by 70.48%. The TBVC was prepared by adding a conidial suspension (108 conidia/mL) to vermicompost. The viability of Trichoderma persisted in the vermicompost for 6 months and ranged from 1.2 to 2.8 × 107 CFU/mL. Vermicompost water extracts significantly enhanced seed germination, root length, and shoot length compared to a control group (p < 0.05). Plants that received the TBVC displayed significantly longer shoot and root lengths and higher total chlorophyll content than control plants (p < 0.05). The TBVC induced defense response by increasing the enzyme activity of peroxidase (POD) and polyphenol oxidase (PPO) in comparison with control plants. Rice grown in the TBVC had a significantly reduced incidence of sheath blight caused by R. solani in comparison with control rice (p < 0.05). Furthermore, the fungal community of rice plants was analyzed via the high-throughput next-generation sequencing of the internal transcribed spacer (ITS). The fungal community in the TBVC had greater alpha diversity than the community in the VC. Phylum Ascomycota was dominant in both samples, and a heat map showed that Trichoderma was more prevalent in the TBVC than in the VC. Our results indicate that the enrichment of VC with Trichoderma increases growth, enhances the defense response, and reduces the incidence of sheath blight disease in the Thai rice variety "Chor Khing".

Designing of nematode egg parasitic fungus, Purpureocillium lilacinum, nanoemulsion for management of Meloidogyne incognita infection in tomato

Summary Purpureocillium lilacinum is a potent biocontrol agent against Meloidogyne spp. and various other plant-parasitic nematodes in crops. However, existing commercial formulations of P. lilacinum suffer from drawbacks like short shelf life and inconsistent performance in different environmental conditions. To address these issues, a new nano-formulation of P. lilacinum was developed and tested against Meloidogyne incognita infecting tomatoes. Initially, edible oil-based emulsions were prepared using probe ultrasonication, with 40 formulations screened and 14 selected for further testing. Seven of these emulsions remained stable at room temperature (28 ± 4°C) for 8 weeks, with stability assessed based on particle size, zeta potential, and particle shape using particle size analysis and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). Among these, NE 8 (comprising 10 ml of 1% carboxyl methyl cellulose (CMC), 1.25 ml of Tween 80 and 5 ml of sunflower oil) exhibited superior characteristics, with an average particle size of 226.6 nm, a zeta potential of −54.80 mV, and a spherical morphology under TEM examination. The P. lilacinum nanoemulsion formulation was produced by homogenising NE 8 emulsion and spores at a 1:1 ratio, ensuring efficient spore dispersion and encapsulation without loss of viability. In vitro tests demonstrated 100% immobility of M. incognita second-stage juveniles (J2) and 100% parasitism of eggs at a concentration of 5.0 ml l−1. Under glasshouse conditions, soil drenching with the nano-formulation at concentrations ranging from 0.5 to 5.0 ml l−1 resulted in enhanced tomato growth and significant suppression of M. incognita populations in soil and roots, with increased egg mass parasitism. Bio-safety tests confirmed that P. lilacinum nano-formulation at concentrations of 0.25 ml l−1 and 5.0 ml l−1 had no harmful effects on the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae.

Bio-stabilization of toxic weeds (Xanthium strumarium and Lantana camara) implementing mono- and polyculture of Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae.

The present study investigates the synergistic impact of earthworms (Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae) and microbes during vermicomposting of invasive weed phytomass (Xanthium strumarium and Lantana camara). This study aims introducing an onsite solution for weed control while producing valuable organic manure. Vermitransformation and detailed characterization of mono- (VC1, VC2, VC4, VC5) and polyculture (VC3, VC6) of X. strumarium and L. camara has been reported for the first time employing E. fetida and E. eugeniae. The study achieved 45.16 ± 2.48-76.73 ± 1.37% vermiconvertion rate. The pH, conductivity, and concentration of heavy metals are effectively stabilized. Furthermore, it observed a significant reduction in total organic carbon (TOC) alongside the augmentation of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and other trace elements (Zn, Ni, Fe). The ash content, humification index, and C/N ratio analysis established the maturity of the vermicompost. The macronutrient enhancement in the vermicompost samples was recorded 1.5- to 2.47-fold for total N, 1.19- to 1.48-fold in available P, 1.1- to 1.2-fold in total K, and 1.1- to 1.18-fold in total Ca. The germination index reveals a significant reduction in phytotoxicity, suggesting the production of mature and suitable vermicompost for agricultural use. Evaluating mono- and polyculture techniques, the research highlights the superiority of E. fetida over E. eugeniae. Further, the earthworm population and biomass have significantly increased by the end of 60-day experimental trial.

Unveiling the earthworm-associated preferential remediation of emerging organic pollutants and heavy metals in MSW-based vermicomposting systems: Insights through the lens of multivariate techniques and novel empirical models

Studies on the efficacies of vermicomposting and composting in countering the toxic impacts of pollutant cocktails in municipal solid waste (MSW) are scarce. Moreover, further research is needed to explore earthworms' remediation preferences for various pollutants in heterogeneous vermicomposting feedstocks, such as MSW. Therefore, removal dynamics of pesticides (chlorpyrifos, cypermethrin, and carbofuran), pharmaceuticals (diclofenac and carbamazepine), and heavy metals (Pb, Zn, Cu, and Mn) in MSW-based vermicomposting (Eisenia fetida and Eudrilus eugeniae) and composting systems were evaluated through multivariate analytical techniques (principal component (PCA) and multi-factor (MFA)) on the R-platform. Both earthworms satisfactorily increased their population and augmented NPK (nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium) availability, cation exchange, microbial biomass C&N, and their metabolic activity 2–3 folds more than composting, accompanied by a 3–4 folds reduction of organic C, pH, and bulk density. Correspondingly, heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals decreased by 8-10-folds via earthworm's significant pollutant removal efficiencies that subsided MSW-driven ecological risks by 60–90%. PCA and MFA revealed that N, P, and K-availability, organic C, and microbial activity were the indicative attributes for heavy metal and emerging organic micropollutant (EOMP)-removal during biocomposting; however, earthworms remove pesticides faster than pharmaceuticals and heavy metals. PCA-based novel empirical models demonstrated that in MSW-only feedstock, earthworm-mediated pollutant detoxification followed the order of pesticides > pharmaceuticals > heavy metals. However, in MSW combined with cow dung (1:1 ratio) feedstock, the detoxification order shifted to pharmaceuticals > heavy metals > pesticides. Therefore, this study provides fresh insights into pollutant-focused feedstock optimization for vermicomposting through model-based approaches, advancing the eco-friendly valorization of toxic MSW.

Feeding Biology of Earthworms (Perionyx Excavatus and Eudrilus Eugeniae) and Bacteria Associated with their Guts and Vermicompost

Feeding Biology of Earthworms (Perionyx Excavatus and Eudrilus Eugeniae) and Bacteria Associated with their Guts and Vermicompost

Performance Evaluation of a Taro (Colocasia esculenta) Assisted Vermifilter for Swine Wastewater Treatment

Untreated swine wastewater is one of the main contributors to the problem of water pollution in areas where swine farming is prevalent. Lack of wastewater treatment facilities can cause nutrient buildup in bodies of water, that result in adverse environmental effects such as eutrophication and can cause the buildup of pathogens in bodies of water. This study evaluated the feasibility of a vermifilter using African Night Crawlers (Eudrilus eugeniae) and taro (Colocasia esculenta) in treating swine wastewater. The cylindrical vermifilters each had a diameter of 35cm, 50cm of freeboard, 15cm of soil substrate, and 35cm of gravel of mixed sizes. One vermifilter was planted with taro plants (TAVF) while the other was not (VF). Water samples were collected from the effluent of the respective setups, and were analyzed for electrical conductivity (EC), total dissolved solids (TDS), oxidation-reduction potential (ORP), dissolved oxygen (DO), and pH. Results from the Taro Assisted Vermifilter showed an average of 70.45% and 70.50% removal efficiencies for EC and TDS, respectively. The observed average increase in pH was 0.66, while the effluent ORP values for the TAVF exceeded 220mV. The TAVF showed no signs of clogging throughout the wastewater loading period, and a significant increase in the earthworm mass was observed. The plants used were also observed to have grown significantly throughout the experiment. The TAVF, however, did not perform better than the VF in terms of removal efficiency. Overall, the system demonstrated potential as a treatment facility for swine farms with significant wastewater effluent and showed efficiency with extended periods of acclimatization.

Antioxidant, Anti-inflammatory and Anthelminthic Activities of Traditionally used Ocimum basilicum L., and Ocimum tenuiflorum L. Extract Loaded Emulsion

The demand for cosmeceuticals is rapidly expanding. Various phytoconstituents are identified from Ocimum basilicum and O. tenuiflorum and have several pharmacological properties. The present study aimed to formulate a novel alternative herbal formulation for topical administration with natural antioxidant properties for the treatment of inflammatory conditions with the destructive capacity of parasitic worms. The egg albumin denaturation technique was used to evaluate the test formulations’ and the standard’s in-vitro anti-inflammatory properties, and the hydrogen peroxide assay was used to measure the extracts’ antioxidant properties. Eudrilus eugeniae was the target of the investigation into in-vitro anthelmintic action. The pH of the cream was 6.8 (average), it was easily spreadable and washable, no gritty particles were found and the dye test confirmed that it was an o/w type of cream. The egg albumin denaturation technique was utilized to evaluate the anti-inflammatory properties. The results cleared those herbal formulations (F1 and F2) and protein denaturation was decreased by diclofenac sodium (Standard) in a dose-dependent manner. Test samples exhibited higher anti-inflammatory activities than the standard with their percentage inhibitions being 41.5 ± 0.5 (F2), 39.1 ± 0.4 mg/mL (F1), and 37.3 ± 0.3 mg/mL (F-Standard), respectively. Antioxidants are compounds that either completely stop or significantly reduce the harm that free unstable radicals. F2 showed a higher concentration-dependent anthelmintic activity than F1 and standard albendazole. Increasing the concentration decreases the paralysis and death time of earthworms. Finally concluded that F2 indicates higher anti-inflammatory and anthelmintic activities than others with high natural antioxidant power.

An improved protocol for inducing the gut cleaning process in earthworm for various experiments

Abstract Earthworms have a complex digestive system consisting of the mouth, pharynx, esophagus, crop, gizzard, and intestine which work together to pass the soil out. The gut soil and associated microbial load in earthworms’ gut hinder the outcome of many experiments like in-vitro regeneration, histology, immunohistochemistry, molecular expression and toxicological studies. Currently, the available gut cleaning techniques are time-consuming and costly. The tissue paper method takes 4-7 days; the agar-agar method takes around 3-5 days to clean the gut. Therefore, refined techniques are needed to reduce the gut cleaning process in a cost-effective and at the same time in a minimum number of days. Bisacodyl is a medication used to treat constipation and it acts as a laxative drug that increases peristatic movement of the gut. It can also be used to cleanse the intestines before a bowel examination or surgery. The present study aims to enhance the gut-cleaning process in earthworm, Eudrilus eugeniae, using the drug bisacodyl. Briefly, the earthworm is exposed to different concentrations (1 mg, 2 mg, 4 mg, 6 mg, 8 mg and 10 mg) of bisacodyl and analyzed for its excretion rate. We observed that 4 mg is more efficient and aids in cleaning the earthworm’s gut within two days. A lower bisacodyl concentration is inefficient in cleaning the gut in a shorter duration while at higher bisacodyl concentrations, worm experienced autotomy. Since the drug was active for only 45 mins, the worm became normal one hour after withdrawal from the experiment. Other than E. eugeniae, for Perionyx excavatus we observed 4 mg bisacodyl drug is efficient and aids in cleaning its gut within two days. Overall, the designed protocol is efficient for gut cleaning in a shorter duration in a cost-effective manner.

Novel report on soil infection with Metarhizium rileyi against soil-dwelling life stages of insect pests.

Entomopathogenic fungi are the most effective control remedy against a wide range of medical and agricultural important pests. The present study aimed to isolate, identify, and assess the virulence of Metarhizium rileyi against Spodoptera litura and Spodoptera frugiperda pupae under soil conditions. The biotechnological methods were used to identify the isolate as M. rileyi. The fungal conidial pathogenicity (2.0 × 107, 2.0 × 108, 2.0 × 109, 2.0 × 1010, and 2.0 × 1011 conidia/mL-1) was tested against prepupae of S. litura and S. frugiperda at 3, 6, 9, and 12 days after treatments. Additionally, the artificial soil-conidial assay was performed on a nontarget species earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae, using M. rileyi conidia. The present results showed that the M. rileyi caused significant mortality rates in S. litura pupae (61-90%), and S. litura pupae were more susceptible than S. frugiperda pupae (46%-73%) at 12 day posttreatment. The LC50 and LC90 of M. rileyi against S. litura, were 3.4 × 1014-9.9 × 1017 conidia/mL-1 and 6.6 × 105-4.6 × 1014 conidia/mL-1 in S. frugiperda, respectively. The conidia of M. rileyi did not exhibit any sublethal effect on the adult stage of E. eugeniae, and Artemia salina following a 12-day treatment period. Moreover, in the histopathological evaluation no discernible harm was observed in the gut tissues of E. eugeniae, including the lumen and epithelial cells, as well as the muscles, setae, nucleus, mitochondria, and coelom. The present findings provide clear evidence that M. rileyi fungal conidia can be used as the foundation for the development of effective bio-insecticides to combat the pupae of S. litura and S. frugiperda agricultural pests.

Earthworm excrete derived-enzyme enriched SnO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposite for near complete decomposition of toxic dye molecules

Enzymes derived from earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae) excretes (vermiwash) were used as supporting bio-catalysts with SnO2/g-C3N4 nanocomposites for photocatalytic dye degradation of toxic organic dyes. The results were compared to those of the composite partners SnO2 and g-C3N4. The enzyme supported nanocomposite has superior photocatalytic efficiency of 95 %, 93 %, 83 % and 97 % against the test dyes Methylene Blue (MB), Malachite Green (MG), Methyl Orange (MO) and Rose Bengal (RB) whereas the partners SnO2 (62 %, 81 %, 36 % & 73 %) and g-C3N4 (76 %, 84 %, 80 % & 89 %) exhibited lower efficiencies. The enzymes phosphatase, amylase, urease and protease present in the synthesized nanocomposite play supporting role as co-catalyst in enhancing the photocatalytic ability of the nanocomposite. The mechanism involving the charge carrier recombination delay due to the formation of g-C3N4 sheets beneath the SnO2 particles is illustrated. The partnering mechanism with g-C3N4 having lower bandgap (2.8 eV) leads to a reduction in the bandgap from 3.5 eV for SnO2 to 2.6 eV for the nanocomposite making the nanocomposite as visible light responsive photocatalyst. The XRD, FTIR, SEM-EDX, UV–vis–NIR, XPS and DFT results support the discussion on photocatalytic mechanism. The near complete dye degradation is confirmed by phenotypic test on earthworm (Eudrilus eugeniae).

Effects of Vermicomposting on Compost Quality and Heavy Metals：A Meta-analysis

In order to comprehensively evaluate the effects of vermicomposting on compost quality and the conversion of heavy metals under different control conditions, 109 studies were reviewed. The effects of earthworm species, pre-compost time, ventilation methods, initial C/N, initial pH, and initial moisture of the raw materials on compost quality and the heavy metal toxicity were quantitatively discussed during the vermicomposting process through Meta-analysis. The results showed that the six subgroups of factors all showed obvious influences on the compost quality and heavy metal toxicity. After vermicomposting, the contents of NO3--N (116.2%), TN (29.1%), TP (31.2%), and TK (15.0%) were significantly increased, whereas NH4+-N (-14.8%) and C/N (-36.3%) were significantly decreased. Meanwhile, the total amount of Cu and Cr of the final compost and their bioavailability were significantly reduced. Considering the influences of grouping factors on compost quality and heavy metals, it is recommended to adjust the initial moisture of pile materials to 70%-80%, C/N to 30-85, and pH to 6-7 and to conduct pre-composting for 0-15 d; additionally, vermicomposting should be naturally placed when the composting is aimed at promoting the compost quality. If the main purpose is to weaken the perniciousness of heavy metals in the raw material, it is recommended to adjust the initial moisture of the material to 50%-60%, C/N to less than 30, and pH to 7-8; to conduct no pre-compost; regularly turn the piles; and use the earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae for vermicomposting.