Earthworm Research Articles

Impact of soil physico-chemical properties on distribution of earthworm populations across different land use patterns in southern India

BackgroundThe distribution of earthworms is usually diverse and their population fluctuates in relation to the different physico-chemical properties and land use patterns of the soil of southern parts of India. This particular study examined distribution and relative abundance of earthworms under different land use patterns and their influence on the physico-chemical properties of the soil. We measured the species composition of earthworm communities across the three different land use ecosystems and effect of abiotic factors on them from various ecological regions of southern India (southern Odisha).MethodsThe linear relationship between different physico-chemical parameters of soil across three land use types and earthworm density is obtained by Pearson correlation analysis in the months of June to September. The association of physico-chemical parameters of different habitats with earthworm populations is analyzed using two-way ANOVA. Principal component analysis is (PCA) used to characterize the effect of different soil properties on the distribution of earthworm populations across three different habitats.ResultsA total of ten species of earthworms belonging to five families were identified. Four species of earthworms are identified, i.e., Pontodrilus bermudensis, Parionyx excavates, Pheretima alexandri, Lampito mauritii, most abundantly in forest lands, while the other six species are mostly found in agriculture and grass land. The earthworm density is significantly correlated (P < 0.01) with the availability of organic OC, total nitrogen, phosphorus, and water holding capacity across the three habitats, the forest land in particular. Both ANOVA and PCA results revealed a significant impact of habitat conditions on the soil physico-chemical properties as well as earthworm density.ConclusionsThis particular study has provided new information regarding the influence of different earthworm population on abiotic factors of soil across three land use patterns. It is also noticed that the distribution of earthworm was higher in forest lands and followed by grasslands having high organic manure rather than agricultural land.

Dióxido de silicio como estimulante del índice de calidad de plantas de chile piquín (Capsicum annuum L. var. glabriusculum) producidas en vivero

Desde el siglo pasado el dióxido de silicio ha tomado notoriedad, no solo por su rol en los componentes electrónicos, sino también por sus efectos benéficos en algunos cultivos como el arroz o la fresa. El objetivo del presente estudio fue conocer los impactos del dióxido de silicio como fertilizante sobre la calidad de planta del chile piquín. El trabajo se desarrolló en el vivero de la Facultad de Ciencias Forestales de la Universidad Autónoma de Nuevo León, durante enero-mayo de 2016. Se aplicaron tres tratamientos más el testigo: 1) testigo, 2) dióxido de silicio, 3) lombricomposta, y 4) una mezcla de lombricomposta y dióxido de silicio. Se monitoreó el crecimiento de la planta en altura cada cinco días, después de la fertilización se utilizó el Índice de Calidad de Dickson para evaluar la calidad de la planta al finalizar el experimento. Los resultados indicaron que la lombricomposta y el dióxido de silicio tuvieron un mayor incremento medio de altura de planta, a 14 cm y 12.8 cm, respectivamente; seguido del testigo (11.25 cm), y por último, la mezcla de dióxido de silicio con la lombricomposta (11 cm). El Índice de Calidad de Dickson fue más alto con el dióxido de silicio y la lombricomposta; la mezcla de ambos tuvo un promedio más bajo con alta variación, finalmente, en las plantas testigo se estimó el menor índice.

Vermiconversion of mixed leaves litter (pre-digested with fungal consortium) by using eudrilus eugeniae, perionyx excavatus and lampito mauritii

Vermiconversion of mixed leaves litter (pre-digested with fungal consortium) by using eudrilus eugeniae, perionyx excavatus and lampito mauritii

The population and landscape genetics of the European badger (Meles meles) in Ireland.

The population genetic structure of free‐ranging species is expected to reflect landscape‐level effects. Quantifying the role of these factors and their relative contribution often has important implications for wildlife management. The population genetics of the European badger (Meles meles) have received considerable attention, not least because the species acts as a potential wildlife reservoir for bovine tuberculosis (bTB) in Britain and Ireland. Herein, we detail the most comprehensive population and landscape genetic study of the badger in Ireland to date—comprised of 454 Irish badger samples, genotyped at 14 microsatellite loci. Bayesian and multivariate clustering methods demonstrated continuous clinal variation across the island, with potentially distinct differentiation observed in Northern Ireland. Landscape genetic analyses identified geographic distance and elevation as the primary drivers of genetic differentiation, in keeping with badgers exhibiting high levels of philopatry. Other factors hypothesized to affect gene flow, including earth worm habitat suitability, land cover type, and the River Shannon, had little to no detectable effect. By providing a more accurate picture of badger population structure and the factors effecting it, these data can guide current efforts to manage the species in Ireland and to better understand its role in bTB.

Inhibition of Alpha Amylase and Alpha Glycosidase Enzymes by Various Earth Worm Extracts

The earth worm extracts have been analysed for the inhibition of alpha amylase and alpha glycosidase enzymes, which are the key enzymes for the control of glucose in the human system so have direct impact upon the health of an organism. These two enzymes have direct involvement in the diabetic process. So the inhibition of these two enzymes helps in the reduction of diabetes. Various extracts of the earth worms, viz, Ethyl acetate, Acetone, DMSO, Ethanol and Water have been analysed against the inhibition of the respective enzymes. Among the various extracts it had been found that water extract posses the highest inhibition potential followed by ethanol extract. The DMSO, Acetone posses the inhibition potential in between water extract and the Ethyl acetate extract. So it could be concluded that polar solvents posses high inhibition potential than the lesser polar solvents, which could be due the polar extracted compounds from the concerned extract of earth. Diabetes mellitus is spreading at an alarming rate in the world and three fourth of the world population is being getting effected by the disease in reference, which leads to major cause of high economic loss in the development of nations. The uncontrolled diabetes leads to many chronic complications like blindness, heart issues, and renal failure, etc. Therapies have been developed along with the principles of western medicine (allopathic) which often have limited efficacy, which carry the risk of adverse effects, and are often too costly, especially for the developing countries. But the research in reference is the first research in the world in which it had been shown that earth worm extracts can be used as anti-diabetic medicines. Other properties of earth worms, like antimicrobial anti-inflammatory etc are known already but the anti-diabetic effect has been analysed first time in the world.

Earthworms diversity of Koppal district with the updated information on genus Thatonia of Hyderabad–Karnataka region, Karnataka, India

Earthworm survey was conducted in the selected habitats of Koppal district (15°09′00″ to 16°03′30″) of Hyderabad- Karnataka region. Earthworms were collected from Holemudalapura, Matti Mudalapura, Shivapur, Nelogal, Taralkatti, Putakmari, Kurubanhal, Budakunti, Anegundi and Rampur. 8 genera and 14 species of earthworms were identified viz., Dichogaster bolaui, Dichogaster modigliani, Octochaetona albida, Octochaetona paliensis, Octochaetona parva and Octochaetona prashadi belonging to family OCTOCHAETIDAE; Lampito mauritii, Perionyx fulvus, Perionyx koboensis, Perionyx millardi, Polypheretima elongata thecomorph and Polypheretima elongata athecomorph belonging to family MEGASCOLICIDAE; Thatonia gracilis and Thatonia parva belonging to family OCNERODRILIDAE and Eudrilus eugeniae belonging to family EUDRILIDAE. The smallest being Thatonia gracilis having a length of 2–2.5 cm and diameter of 1–1.5 mm and largest being Eudrilus euginiae having length 26–27 cm and diameter 5–5.6 mm. Dichogaster bolaui, Lampito mauritii, Perionyx koboensis Perionyx millardi, Thatonia gracilis & Thatonia parva were found in the garbage. Dichogaster modigliani, Lampito mauritii, Octochaetona albida, Octochaetona paliensis, Octochaetona parva, Polypheretima elongata thecomorph were found near the bore-well sewage water. Eudrilus eugeniae, Perionyx millardi, Polyperetima elongata athecomorph, Thatonia parva and Octochaetona prashadi in the gutter. Perionyx koboensis was found in the irrigated land. Parameters like temperature, humidity were recorded and physicochemical analysis of the soil was carried out.

Phytochemical screening, antinociceptive, anthelmintic and cytotoxicity studies of the leaves of Carissa carandas Linn. (Family: Apocynaceae)

&lt;em&gt;&lt;em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;/em&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Background:&lt;/strong&gt; &lt;em&gt;Carissa carandas &lt;/em&gt;Linn. (Bengali name- Karamya, Karancha, Karamcha, English name-Karaunda) commonly known as Karanda is a widly used medicinal plants belongs to apocynaceae family&lt;em&gt;. &lt;/em&gt;The various plant parts of &lt;em&gt;C. carandas &lt;/em&gt;have been used for ethnomedicine in the treatment of human diseases, such as diarrhea, stomachic, anorexia, intermittent fever, mouth ulcer and sore throat, syphilitic pain, burning sensation, scabies and epilepsy. The current studies were aimed to investigate the phytochemical constituents, antinociceptive, anthelmintic and cytotoxic activities of the methanol extract of leaves of &lt;em&gt;C. carandas&lt;/em&gt;.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Methods:&lt;/strong&gt; The antinociceptive property of the methanol leaves extract of &lt;em&gt;C. carandas&lt;/em&gt; was evaluated in swiss albino mice by using acetic acid-induced writhing test and anthelmintic activity of the fresh leaves juice was performed by observing the time of paralysis and the time of death of earth worms &lt;em&gt;Pheretima posthuma. &lt;/em&gt;On the other hand, the methanol extract of leaves of &lt;em&gt;C. carandas&lt;/em&gt; was screened for cytotoxic activity by brine shrimp lethality bioassay. &lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Results:&lt;/strong&gt; Phytochemical screening showed that the methanol leaves extract contained alkaloids, steroids, flavanoids, tannins, saponins and reducing sugar. The antinociceptive activity test revealed that the extract showed significant antinociceptive activity and the fresh juice of the leaves of &lt;em&gt;C. carandas &lt;/em&gt;showed potent anthelmintic activity. In cytotoxicity studies, the methanol leaves extract displayed moderate cytotoxic activity when compared with standard drug, vincristine sulphate.&lt;/p&gt;&lt;p class="abstract"&gt;&lt;strong&gt;Conclusions:&lt;/strong&gt; In the current studies, these observations also support the use of this plant for medicinal purposes and encourage further investigations for more fruitful results.&lt;/p&gt;

Composting-vermicomposting of green waste processing spiked with cow dung.

To accelerate the resource utilization of green waste, this study considered the combination of composting disposed green waste mixed with cow dung by employing Eisenia fetida. After pre-composting green waste for 60 d, seven treatments were prepared for vermicomposting by mixing green waste (pre-composted materials) with cow dung at ratios (dry weight) of 0(T0, without earthworms as a control), 0(T1), 2%(T2), 4%(T3), 6%(T4), 8%(T5), and 10%(T6). Growth and reproductive performance of E. fetida in different treatments were measured after 60 d of vermicomposting with a plant cultivation experiment (Calathea veitchiana) being conducted to estimate the quality and maturity of the final vermicompost. A complete random design with treatments of T0, T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6 and 30 replications. At the end of cultivation, five plants were randomly selected from each treatment and were analyzed for the plant growth parameters. Results showed that final products of all treatments with earthworms (T1-T6) were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in nutritional element content and plant growth parameters than T0. Moreover, in comparison with pure green waste treatment (T1), treatments with the addition of cow dung significantly (P < 0.05) increased the rate of growth and reproduction of earthworms, significantly (P < 0.05) accelerated the degradation rate of cellulose and lignin, and significantly (P < 0.05) increased nutrient contents of the final vermicompost product. Moreover, with the addition of cow dung, significantly (P < 0.05) increaseed in microbial population (bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes) in vermicomposts were recorded. Among treatments T2-T6, T5 and T6 had significantly (P < 0.05) higher fertilizer value for the final product as well as significantly (P < 0.05) higher growth and fecundity of E. fetida. Thus, the combination of both processes (composting + vermicomposting) could be suitable for disposing cow dung and green waste with the green waste mixed with cow dung treatments at rates of 8% (T5) and 10% (T6) improving the efficiency and quality of the vermicompost.

SEAWEED PLANT NUTRIENTS TO ENHANCE THE POPULATION AND HEALTH OF EARTHWORM EUDRILUS EUGENIAE ALONG WITH CROP BETTERMENT IN CHILLI CAPSICUM ANNUM (VAR. KKM-CH1) UNDER POT CULTURE

In the present study, the effect of seaweed gel and seaweed fortified granules on earthworms of Eudrilus eugeniae and chilli co-cultured in pot mix was studied. The treatments were; the control (T0), which consisted only 5 kg of pot mix, in amendment 1, 0.05 gm seaweed gel (2.5 kg ha-1)+ 5 kg pot mix (T1), amendment 2: 0.1 gm seaweed gel (5.0 kg ha-1)+ 5 kg pot mix (T2), amendment 3: 0.2 gm seaweed gel (10.0 kg ha-1) + 5.0 kg pot mix (T3), amendment 4: 0.5gm seaweed fortified granules (25 kg ha-1) + 5.0 kg pot mix (A1), amendment 5: 1.0 gm seaweed granules (50 kg ha-1) + 5 kg pot mix (A2) and amendment 6: 2.0 gm seaweed fortified granules (100 kg ha-1) + 5 kg pot mix (A3). The number of cocoons and hatchlings in all treated earthworms were found significantly higher (p < 0.05) than control worms, similarly, in chilli, yield improvement upto 30.16 % along with increased capsaicin content were observed. The results of present study showed that both seaweed fortified granules and seaweed gel tested were found to enhance the health and population of earthworm and crop yield and quality of chilli at significant level (p < 0.05) and they can contribute to organic agriculture.

The Influence of Vermicomposting Technology on Solubility of Eppawala Rock Phosphate

The application of Eppawala Rock Phosphate (ERP) could be an economic alternative to the use of imported phosphorus fertilizer for certain annual as well as perennial crops like coconut in acid soils. But, its low solubility limits direct application. For Vermicomposting technology, which is a biodegradation process of plant and animal waste materials through earthworms, has been tested for increasing the solubility of ERP. Fresh Gliricidia leaves, fresh cow dung and grasses were mixed 1:2:1 ratio as the basic composting mixture and ERP was mixed at the ratio of 10% and 20% to the composting materials. Forty numbers of earthworms were added to each of the plastic containers with the composting mixture, having five replicates per treatment. &#x0D; Addition of ERP in to mixture showed no effect on the multiplication rate of earth worms. The nutrient availability of compost was measured with time and compared with the control (T1). Each treatment had the similar amount of nitrogen in the system and that indicates the addition of rock phosphate has a minimal effect or no effect on conversion or losses of available nitrogen. Addition of ERP increased the availability of phosphorus and it was significantly higher in T4 and T3 than other treatments. Available phosphorus value was significantly increased from 4% (T5 and T6) to 9 % in T3 and T4 treatments. Total potassium content decreased in all treatments compare with control. Therefore, vermicomposting can be utilized to increase the solubility of ERP while increasing the available phosphorus in the end product.

Viability of earthworm breeding for one, two and three months in soil treated with different concentrations of polluted water

Viability of earthworm breeding for one, two and three months in soil treated with different concentrations of polluted water

Potentiality of indigenous earthworms (Perionyx excavatus, perrier and lampito mauritii, kinberg) in managing lignocellulosic wastes for organic farming

The lignocellulosic wastes, cashew leaf litter (CLL) admixed with various animal dungscowdung (CD), sheepdung (SD) and horsedung (HD) have been subjected to vermicomposting by using indigenous earthworms, Perionyx excavatus and Lampito mauritii and to produce value added vermicompost. Four different combinations of each [100% dung alone, 3 : 1 (75% dung + 25% CLL), 2 : 2 (50% dung + 50% CLL) and 1 : 3 (25% dung + 75% CLL)] vermibeds were prepared for vermicomposting process. After 60 days, the vermicompost and worm-unworked normal compost were harvested and characterized and growth (biomass), reproductive performance of earthworms-cocoon production, hatchling number and recovery of vermicompost were also studied. The obtained results clearly showed that vermicompost from CLL admixed with CD at 2 : 2 ratio had lower pH, organic carbon, C–N ratio, C–P ratio, lignin, cellulose, hemicellulose and phenol content, and higher nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, dehydrogenase and humic acid content than the raw substrates and normal compost. Also pronounced and better earthworm activity was found in the above combination for both species. Hence organic farming practices using vermicompost promise an alternative to the existing practices and proved as a sustainable approach.

Comparative Study of growth, Cocoon production and Hatching success of Lampito mauritii and Periyonix excavatus cultured in different water Hyacinth Media.

Comparative Study of growth, Cocoon production and Hatching success of <i>Lampito mauritii</i> and <i>Periyonix excavatus</i> cultured in different water Hyacinth Media.

Investigation of in-vitro anthelmintic activity of Lindernia madayiparense

Helminthiasis causes a large threatening to the public health and lead to the prevalence of malnutrition, anemia, eosinophilia and pneumonia in developing countries. Due to the high cost of currently available anthelmintic drugs and also the gastro-intestinal helminthes becomes resistant to the drugs; the research on herbal remedies as alternative anthelmintics has been increased. The present study was aimed to assess the anthelmintic activity of the plant, Lindernia madayiparense against Indian earthworms, Pheretima posthuma. Different extracts were prepared using decoction and continuous hot extraction methods. Preliminary qualitative analysis was carried out on all the extracts of L. madayiparanse to identify the presence of phytochemical constituents. Among the extracts tested, ethanol extract showed excellent anthelmintic activity as well as higher than other extracts at all the concentrations against the earth worms and well comparable with standard drug, Albendazole. All the extracts tested exhibited a dose dependent paralytic effect and the time of death. From these findings it was suggested that the observed anthelmintic activity might be due to the presence of these secondary metabolites such as alkaloids, flavanoids, terpenoids, tannins and saponins.

Design of Manure Treatment Alternatives for Hillside Farms Pennsylvania, USA

An alternative treatment system for cow manure at The Lands at Hillside Farms, a 60 cow dairy farm located in Shavertown, Pennsylvania, was designed. The treatment system was sized for Hillside Farm’s 530,000 kg of annual manure production. The following systems were explored: lagoon, traditional composting, traditional anaerobic digester, anaerobic bag digester, and vermicomposting. The most practical manure treatment system was determined to be a vermicomposting system. The vermicomposting system employs Eisenia Fetida, a type of earth worm, to process the manure. The vermicomposting system consists of 12 units, each with a length and width of 4.6 m, and a depth of 0.3 m. To reduce costs and take advantage of Eisenia Fetida’s rapid reproduction ability, it was decided to initially purchase 5% of the total required worms. Each vermicomposting unit was estimated to cost $1,035, resulting in a total cost of $12,420. The primary concern for the treatment system is in regard to its performance during periods of low temperature. Eisenia Fetida’s manure processing rate declines with temperature. Hillside Farms should investigate the feasibility of installing a greenhouse or similar structure to insulate the vermicomposting units. The research paper herein contains valuable information that may assist other small farms exploring manure treatment options.

Investigation of expression of high-molecular substances as the consequence of exposure to laser light on the organism of earth worm Eisenia veneta

The effect of laser light on the content of fractions of soluble and a membrane protein in tissues of worms of parental forms and generation F1 of the species Eisenia veneta was estimated.Studies have shown changes in the protein spectrum in the tissues of animals of the F1 generation relative to the parent forms that were differently exposed to laser light.

Phytochemical screening, and antihelminthic activity of leaf and root extracts of Cassia tora plant

Cassia tora is one of the most important sources of medicinally important phytochemicals and widely used in Ayurvedic and Chinese system of medicine. The fresh plants of cassia tora were collected from the different locality of Dharan, Sunsari district during the month of August. In this study leaves and root extracts were subjected to extraction by soxheletion by using ethanol and water and the extracts were subjected to antibacterial activity against Staphylococcus aureus. and Citrobacter koseri, the ethanolic extracts were screened for antihelmenthic activity against Indian adult earth worm (Pheretima posthuma) with a moderate result. The result of antibacterial activity revealed that aqueous extract of leaves and roots showed better activity in comparison to aqueous extracts particularly against gram positive bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus).

Herbicidal effect on the bio-indicators of soil health- A review

Soil microbial population, earth worms in soil, soil enzyme activity and organ carbon content in soil are considered as the bio indicators of soil health. They are used as indicators of soil health because of their active role in soil organic matter production, decomposition of xenobiotics and cycling of nutrients, ease of measurement and rapid response to changes in management practices. The assessment of soil health can be used to develop more sustainable crop production system. A number of herbicides have been introduced as pre and post emergence weed killer. The impact of herbicides on soil health depends on the soil type, type and concentration of herbicide used, sensitivity to non-target organisms and environmental conditions. The review elaborates the impact of herbicidal application on the biological indicators of soil health.

A study on farmer’s perception on ill effects of agro chemicals in north eastern part of Karnataka

The present study was conducted in Yadgir district of Karnataka to know about the perception of farmers on the ill effects of agro chemicals. One hundred and twenty farmers were interviewed personally with the help of pre-structured schedule. The results revealed that a large number of respondents had perceived delay in ripening (70.83%), less resistance to diseases (76.66 %), through emission of toxic gases (80.83%) and changes in soil organic matter decomposition (80.00%). Cent per cent respondents expressed resistance developed to pesticides by helicoverpa, spodoptera and parthenium and beneficial organisms like earth worms and predators were affected. Killing of natural enemies by pesticides affect Trichograma (80.00%) and lady bird beetle (75.00%), while handling agro chemicals cent per cent perceived it is going poison human body. The correlation indicates attitude towards chemical fertilizers, extension participation and mass media had shown positive highly significant at 1% level. Regarding factors influencing on agro chemicals land holding and education observe 50.63 per cent of variation. On the other hand farmers were suggested to make the availability of pest resistance variety by majority (83.33%) of the respondents.

POTENSI CACING TANAH EKSOTIK ENDOGEIK Pontoscolex corethrurus UNTUK PRODUKSI VERMIKOMPOS GRANUL (VERMIGRAN) BERBASIS BAHAN ORGANIK LOKAL

&lt;p&gt;The potential of Exotic Earth worm Endogeik (Pontoscolex corethrurus) for Production Vermikompos granules (Vermigran) Local Organil-Based Materials. In 2011, total demand for organic fertilizer in Indonesia was 12.394 million tons and 2.601 million tons of new available. This requirement will continue to increase until 2015, so the opportunity to develop great organic fertilizer. One disadvantage of the use of organic fertilizers is very much in volume (bulky), it is necessary vermikompos manufacturing innovation in the form of granules to be more efficient in the applicationand transport. Research objectives are: (1) study the potential of earthworms in producing vermikompos Pontoscolex corethrurus of l ocal organic ingredients, and (2)produce quality vermikompos in the form of granules. The study was conducted in a greenhouse Fak. Agriculture and in the yard of a house in Ngesrep, Boyolali, in July-November 2011. The study design using a Completely Randomized Design, factorial,two factor. Factor 1 is composed of three types of worms cedar, and the second factoris the variation of the type of organic material, consisting of 7 cedar. The variablesmeasured were vermikompos nutrient quality and speed of the water solubility vermikompos granules. The results showed that Pontoscolex corethrurus high potentialto produce vermikompos that meet ISO quality compost. Cow pile, pile quail, water hyacinth can be used as a raw material vermikompos. Clay, starch, starch and claymixture (1:1) can be used as an adhesive vermikompos granules (vermigran) soluble in water at &amp;lt;48 hours. Production vermigran great potential for developmentas a high-quality organic fertilizer.&lt;/p&gt;