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Research Paper | Zoology and Environmental Biology | India | Volume 13 Issue 7, July 2024 | Rating: 5.6 / 10
Effect of Carbofuran on the Survival Rate of Eudrilles eugenia and Eisenia feotida
Bakkiaraj K | Jayakumar S
Abstract: Earthworms are an essential part of a healthy soil. They are the natural agents that convert complex organic agro - waste to compost. Use of chemical fertilizers, herbicides and pesticides have adverse effect on the earthworm population in a given locality. Though various chemicals are available in the market, carbofuran is used frequently. Carbofuran contaminated soil is a environmental hazard, due to the toxic effect it places on the natural ecosystem and thereby the organisms living in the soil. In this study the effect of carbofuran on the survival rate of two species of earthworms Eudrilles eugenia and Eisenia feotida was studied. The effect of carbofuran on the cocoon formation was also studied. The pesticide carbofuran was mixed with sterile soil and mature earthworms were introduced and the survival rate of the worms were observed. The cocoon formation was also analysed and the morphology of the hatchlings were also noted. The results clearly shows that the pesticide is lethal to the growth of the earthworms. Continuous spraying of the pesticide will reduce the earthworm population of the soil thereby reducing the fertility of the soil.
Keywords: Carbofuran, Eudrilles eugenia, Eisenia feotida, survival rate, cocoon formation
Edition: Volume 13 Issue 7, July 2024,
Pages: 160 - 163