Growth and cocoon production of Perionyx excavatus (Oligochaeta)

Summary The biology of the oriental vermicomposting species, Perionyx excavatus, is poorly understood. Quantitative observations were made at 25°C in urine free cattle manure in order to study the growth of this species. The rate of maturation and cocoon production were studied under conditions of favourable moisture and nutrition over a period of 250 days. The results obtained showed that while P. excavatus grows relatively slowly compared to other vermicomposting species, it attains sexual maturity much earlier and maintains a relatively high cocoon production rate. The study revealed that copulation is not a prerequisite for production of viable cocoons, indicating that P. excavatus may be parthenogenetic and possibly capable of alternating between modes of reproduction.     

Growth and cocoon production by the earthworm Metaphire houletti (Oligochaeta) in different food sources

 Quantitative observations on the biology of Metaphire houletti were made in cow and horse manure and oak litter in laboratory conditions over a period of 240 days. The study revealed that copulation is not a prerequisite for production of viable cocoons, indicating that M. houletti may be parthenogenetic. The mean growth rate was 2.86 mg worm^–1 day^–1 reaching sexual maturity at 45 days and producing 0.015 cocoons worm^–1 day^–1 (kept singly) and 2.82 mg worm^–1 day^–1, reaching sexual maturity at 45 days and producing 0.03 cocoons worm^–1 day^–1 (kept in batches) in cow manure; 4.08 mg worm^–1 day^–1, reaching sexual maturity at 46 days and producing 0.02 cocoons worm^–1 day^–1 (kept singly) and 2.97 mg worm^–1 day^–1, reaching sexual maturity at 45 days and producing 0.016 cocoons worm^–1 day^–1 (kept in batches) in horse manure; 3.73 mg worm^–1 day^–1 reaching sexual maturity at 45 day and producing 0.023 cocoons worm^–1 day^–1 (kept singly) and 2.73 mg worm^–1 day^–1, reaching sexual maturity at 47 days and producing 0.028 cocoons worm^–1 day^–1 (kept in batches) in oak litter. After an incubation period of 31.9±1.2 days 82% of the cocoons hatched with a mean of 1.12±0.06 hatchlings per cocoon. The earthworms reared in batches did not demonstrate any advantage over those reared singly in all substrates. Higher growth rates were observed in earthworms raised singly than those raised in batches in all substrates. Received: 30 April 1998     

Reproduction of the African earthworm,Eudrilus eugeniae (Oligochaeta) — cocoons

Summary Although various authors have contributed to our knowledge of the biology of Eudrilus eugeniae some basic facts about the life cycle and reproduction are still not fully documented. Quantitative observations were made of the cocoons at 25 °C in different substrates. The incubation period for 166 cocoons was 16.89 days, based on cocoons produced by worms between the ages of 70 and 100 days. These cocoons produced a mean 2.12 hatchlings per cocoon after incubation in cattle manure, moist filter paper and distilled water. A smaller batch of cocoons incubated in cattle manure produced a mean of 2.7 hatchlings per cocoon. The hatching success of the cocoons was 84% in cattle manure, 50% in distilled water, and 48% on moist filter paper. The reproductive capabilities of E. eugeniae and Eisenia fetida were compared.     

Moisture preferences,growth and reproduction of the compost worm Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta)

Summary Although moisture requirements of Eisenia fetida are considered to be generally known, very few in-depth studies have been performed. The moisture preferences of juveniles as well as adults of this species were determined in moisture towers containing cow manure with a particle size bigger than 500 and smaller than 1000 m and an organic matter content of 54%. The clitellate worms showed a wider preference range than the juveniles but deposited most of their cocoons within the narrow range of 65%–70% moisture — a moisture range preferred by 80% of the juveniles. Growth studies of newly hatched worms at various moisture levels over a period of 90 days showed that growth rate and final biomass were influenced by moisture availability with a very low rate of growth at low as well as at high moisture levels. The change in biomass of clitellate specimens as well as their consecutively produced cocoons were monitored at different moisture levels. A clear relationship between mass of cocoons and biomass of the producing worms was established at presumably favourable moisture conditions. Furthermore, the relation between cocoon mass and the production rate of cocoons was also determined, which showed that cocoon mass increased concomitantly with increase in cocoon production. The study also showed that clitellum development was increased at moisture levels above 64%. The onset of cocoon production was, however, earliest at slightly lower moisture levels, from which it is concluded that the optimal moisture level for growth and development of clitella are not necessarily optimal for the production of cocoons.Dedicated to the late Prof. Dr. M.S. Ghilarov     

Effect of coffee residues on growth and reproduction of Hyperiodrilus africanus (Oligochaeta, Eudrilidae) in Ivory Coast

Hyperiodrilus africanus (Beddard) is a 12-cm to 16-cm-long earthworm, which is widely distributed in West and Central Africa. It lives in the upper 10–20 cm of the soil, and feeds on a mixture of soil and above-ground litter. Cocoons obtained in the laboratory hatched on average 17 days after deposition and produced two juveniles on average. Paired individuals fed soil amended with 2% coffee residues grew significantly (P<0.05) faster than those in the control soil. Daily individual weight increments were respectively 6.1 mg worm^–1 day^–1 and 1.0 mg worm^–1 day^–1 in supplemented and control soil. The generation time was short, and cocoon production reached 9.6 month^–1 (i.e. 115 cocoons adult^–1 year^–1). When H. africanus collected from the field were raised in the laboratory, they grew slowly, laid fewer cocoons and mortality was high. Demographic parameters indicated an improvement when H. africanus were raised in batches rather than individually. Mating enhanced cocoon production although parthenogenesis was possible. Received: 4 April 1997     

Terbuthylazine and carbofuran effects on growth and reproduction within three generations of Eisenia andrei (Oligochaeta)

Sublethal effects of terbuthylazine and carbofuran on the growth and reproduction of Eisenia andrei were investigated over a period of three generations. Reproduction was assessed by measuring the coccon production of worms treated chronically with pesticides. Inhibition of cocoon production was found in the parental generation. Hatchlings were raised from cocoons to provide the F₁ generation. During raising a more rapid growth of juveniles treated with terbuthylazine was observed, compared with the growth of untreated worms. The increase in vitality was also found in cocoon production. Groups treated with terbuthylazine produced more cocoons than controls. The F₂ generation was raised from hatchlings of the F₁ generation, and here, also the terbuthylazine treatments increased earthworm growth, but not cocoon production. Exposure to carbofuran decreased cocoon production in all generations. Growth of the F₁ generation was not influenced by low concentrations of carbofuran.     

A comparison of the biology of Eisenia fetida and Eisenia andrei (Oligochaeta)

Summary Specimens of locally occurring Eisenia fetida were compared with specimens of E. fetida and E. andrei obtained from France. All specimens were cultured in the laboratory under controlled conditions and growth, maturation, cocoon production, hatching success, and the number of hatchlings were compared. The results showed some differences between the two forms. The eventual worm biomass was the same for both, although the growth reats and the rate at which maturity was attained differed. E. andrei had a higher cumulative cocoon production. Although the local worms resembled E. andrei in appearance their cocoon production rate resembled that of E. fetida from France. E. andrei produced higher numbers of hatchlings per cocoon. The results show that the biology of the two species/forms is similar. The study did not provide convincing proof to substantiate a taxonomic distinction between the two forms of Eisenia.     

The influence of feeding patterns on growth and reproduction of the vermicomposting earthworm Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta)

Summary Observations in outdoor culture beds indicated that food availability and frequency of feeding influenced worm density. In order to study the role of feeding status on the growth and reproduction of Eisenia fetida, pre-clitellate specimens were kept for 180 days under controlled conditions. A control group was regularly provided with freshly produced cattle manure while the experimental groups were fed only sporadically and at some stage even starved by removing some of the substrate. Worm growth, maturation, and cocoon production were monitored. The role of food availability was highlighted by this study. Both worm growth and cocoon production were correlated closely with the feeding pattern that was followed. This study also showed that freshly produced, urine-free, cattle manure proved an excellent food source provided it was added in such a way as to prevent the development of anaerobic conditions. Regular feeding gave high growth and reproduction rates.     

Relationships between casts of geophagous earthworms (Lumbricidae,Oligochaeta) and matric potential

A laboratory study was conducted to determine the effects of matric potentials between -25.4 and-2.0 kPa on the mechanical dispersion of fresh and aged casts produced by Aporrectodea caliginosa, A. rosea, and A. trapezoides. We also examined the effects on dispersion of the matric potential at which the air-dried casts were rewetted. Dispersion from subsurface casts up to 6 days old and uningested aggregates was influenced, but dispersion from fresh casts was not influenced, by the matric potential of the soil core from which the samples were collected. Dispersion from subsurface casts and uningested aggregates increased as the matric potential of the soil core increased from -25.4 to -2.0 kPa. Cast dispersion was not influenced by the earthworm species which produced the cast. Little or no clay was mechanically dispersed after the casts had been air-dried and rewetted, and the matric potential at which casts were rewetted had little influence on dispersion.     

Suitable characters for selective breeding in Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta)

Selective breeding of invertebrates has been suggested by many but studied by few. The possibilities of improving characters like biomass, maturation time, coccoon production rate, and hatching success of cocoons for the earthworm Eisenia fetida were examined in the present study. The results showed that biomass, maturation time, and number of hatchlings could be successfully improved by selective breeding, although a concomitant tendency to a lower reproductive rate, as found in vertebrates, was observed. Other characters like cocoon production rate, hatching success, and number of hatchlings per cocoon also showed promising results.     

Density, biomass and vertical distribution ofAporrectodea caliginosa (Savigny 1826) (Oligochaeta, Lumbricidae) in Benghazi, Libya

Studies were conducted during the period May 1993 to April 1994 on the density, biomass and vertical distribution ofAporrectodea caliginosa, a common species of earthworm found in the Benena farms in Benghazi, Libya. The soil of the farm was a clay loam, pH 7.3, and the organic matter averaged 4.2%. Maximum density and biomass ofA. caliginosa were recorded from October to December 1993 and again during March and April 1994, and minimum values were recorded from May to July 1993. A juvenile dominant population was observed during the summer. This was followed by an increase in subadults and adults during the autumn, winter and spring seasons. A positive correlation of the moisture and an inverse correlation of soil temperature on the density and biomass of these animals were discernible. A. caliginosa mainly confined their activities to the surface organic zone (0–10 cm depth) of the soil for most of the months studied.     

Chemical changes during vermicomposting (Eisenia fetida) of sheep manure mixed with cotton industrial wastes

Summary Castings of Eisenia fetida from sheep manure alone and mixed with cotton wastes analysed for their properties and chemical composition every 2 weeks for 3 months and compared with the same manures in the absence of earthworms. The results showed that earthworms accelerated the mineralization rate and converted the manures into castings with a higher nutritional value and degrees of humification. The castings obtained from manure mixed with cotton wastes exhibited good agronomic quality, suggesting that this kind of industrial residue may be used in vermicomposting.Work supported by Obra Social Caixa de Barcelona     

Growth and survival of Eisenia fetida (Sav.) (Oligochaeta: Lumbricidae) in relation to temperature,moisture and presence of Enchytraeus albidus (Henle) (Enchytraeidae)

Summary The aim of this study was to investigate the environmental requirements of Eisenia fetida (Lumbricidae) and its relation to Enchytraeus albidus (Enchytraeidae). Specimens of Eisenia fetida were cultured at two different temperatures (15°C and 25°C) and moisture conditions (50% and 80%) in presence or absence of Enchytraeus albidus. Eisenia fetida grew best at the higher temperature and amount of moisture. Enchytraeus albidus impaired the growth of Eisenia fetida at the higher temperature. When Enchytraeus albidus was present, the mortality of Eisenia fetida increased.Interaction between Eisenia fetida and Enchytraeus albidus was shown, although the mechanisms remain unclear. These species, coexisting in the same habitat (compost), appear to have slightly different niches: Eisenia fetida favours warmer, moister conditions than Enchytraeus albidus.Dedicated to the late Prof.Dr. M.S. Ghilarov     

A defined medium for the study of growth and reproduction of the earthworm Eisenia fetida (Oligochaeta)

Summary The feeding requirements of earthworms have not been fully established. A vermiculite matrix was used to determine the dietary effects of various organic substances. Vitamins, DNA, and humic acid as additives improved growth and allowed reproduction of Eisenia fetida in a cellulose-based medium. Mature worms were not able to adapt to the medium and 20-day-old worms were used. Rates of growth and cocoon production were slightly less in a defined medium (7% organic content) than in a cow-manure control medium (70% organic content). The medium is likely to prove useful as a reference medium for obtaining biological information.     

Uptake and toxicity of copper and zinc for the African earthworm,Eudrilus eugeniae (Oligochaeta)

Growth rate change in earthworms is considered to be a suitable endpoint when determining sublethal effects. In this study we evaluated growth and maturation in the vermicomposting earthworm speciesEudrilus eugeniae as marker of sublethal toxicity of copper and zinc. We also compared routes of uptake. Apart from exposing worms experimentally for 73 days to contaminated food, a series of contact filter paper tests was also performed to determine LD₅₀ for copper and zinc. Both copper and zinc at sublethal concentrations affected growth and maturation in worms exposed to contaminated food. These worms had a copper content of 34.5 g g^–1 after 73 days and a zinc content of 184.9 g g^–1, showing a differential uptake. Copper was more toxic than zinc. Also in the contact test worms did take up more zinc than copper and the LD₅₀ (48 h) for copper was 0.011 mg cm^–2 and for zinc 0.066 mg cm^–2, which translated to body burdens of 6 g g^–1 for copper and 131 g g^–1 for zinc. Indications were that a regulatory mechanism existed for both metals. Both metals were taken up through the body wall at a relatively fast rate. This study indicated that the skin was the major route of metal uptake. This study also showed a poor relation between the two types of tests for purposes of evaluating lethality of zinc and copper.     

Seasonal variations in growth and reproduction of the earthworm Perionyx excavatus (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae)

 One-week-old juveniles of Perionyx excavatus were cultured in urine-free cow manure for 16 weeks in three different seasons to find out the influence of environmental factors on growth and reproduction. The biomass of worms increased gradually until the 16th week in all seasons. There was no significant (F=2.51) variation in biomass between the three seasons; however, the growth rate varied significantly (F=50.49, P<0.01). During the pre-clitellar period, the growth rate (mg/g) increased steeply (1013.17±41.33 in the monsoon season, 728.64±15.5 in winter and 463.16±22.96 in summer) until the worms attained maturity (5–8 weeks) and from then onwards gradually decreased after the commencement of cocoon production. Worms attained maturity when the mean weight of each worm ranged from 167.46 mg to 197.13 mg. The cumulative number of cocoons varied significantly (F=26.07, P<0.01) with season. Similarly, the rate of cocoon production also varied significantly (F=62.06, P<0.01). The average rate of cocoon production was 7.23, 0.99 and 0.53/worm/week in the monsoon season, winter and summer, respectively. By week 16, the ratio of weight gain to the initial weight of 1-week-old juveniles was 1 : 43.13 in the monsoon season, 1 : 30.49 in the winter and 1 : 23.69 in the summer. The maximum mass gain, growth rate, and cocoon production and earliest attainment of maturity were recorded during the monsoon season, and were attributed to the lowest range of fluctuating temperatures and high humidity compared with during winter and summer. The growth rate of worms in all seasons was inversely proportional to the number of cocoons produced. Further, the higher the rate of cocoon production, the lower the weight of individual cocoons. Received: 1 July 1997     

Food quality affects production of Lumbricus terrestris (L.) under controlled environmental conditions

Birch leaves and horse manure were used to determine the effects of food quality on growth and reproduction of laboratory-reared Lumbricus terrestris. Animals grew to maturity within 6 months but attained a significantly (p < 0.001) larger adult size with manure (6.17 g) versus leaves (4.20 g). Cocoon production by recently-mated adults maintained in isolation, fed with birch leaves or horse manure, resulted in 4.53 and 3.84 cocoons ind.⁻¹ month⁻¹ respectively, with an initial hatchability of 86%, falling to zero after 18 months. Re-mating of these known individuals permitted long term monitoring of reproductive output (to 30 months). For the whole experimental period, overall hatchability of the 2010 cocoons produced was 44.4%. Median incubation time of those cocoons that hatched within accepted norms (less than 5 months at 15 °C) was 103 days and was not influenced by adult food type. A proportion (35.5%) of cocoons took in excess of 12 months to hatch. Adult mortality was minimal (25%) during the long term experiment but abnormal cocoon production was recorded after 2 years. Overall results demonstrate that food quality can have a significant influence on somatic and reproductive production of L. terrestris and these data may aid construction of production models for this earthworm in ecosystems with contrasting food quality.     

Influence of cadmium,copper, and pentachlorophenol on growth and sexual development of Eisenia andrei (Oligochaeta; Annelida)

Summary In the existing guidelines for earthworm toxicity testing, mortality is the only test criterion. Mortality is, however, not a very sensitive parameter, and from an ecological point of view growth and reproduction are more important for a proper risk assessment of chemicals in soil. In this study the growth and sexual development of juvenile earthworms were considered as test criteria in a standardized earthworm toxicity test. The effect of Cd, Cu, and pentachlorophenol on the growth and sexual development of juveniles of the species Eisenia andrei was studied in an artificial soil substrate. Two tests with Cd were carried out to study the effects of the mode of application of the food source (cow dung). EC₅₀ (50% effective concentration) values for the effect of Cd, Cu and pentachlorophenol on the growth of E. andrei were 33–96, >100, and >32 mg kg^-1 dry soil, respectively, and there was no observed effect at 18–32, 56, and 32 mg kg^-1 dry soil, respectively. Sexual development of the earthworms was inhibited at 10 mg Cd kg^-1 and 100 mg Cu kg^-1 dry soil, but was not affected at the highest pentachlorophenol concentration tested (32 mg kg^-1 dry soil). The results were the same whether the food was applied in a hole in the middle of the soil or mixed homogeneously through the soil.     

Influence of dieldrin on the reproduction of the earthwormEisenia fetida (Oligochaeta)

Summary The environmental hazard of the agricultural pesticide dieldrin for the earthwormEisenia fetida was experimentally determined in order to assess and quantify sublethal effects. We determined that the non-toxic dieldrin had a negative effect on cocoon production. An inverse relationship was found between the concentration of dieldrin in the environment and the number of hatchlings per cocoon. The hatchlings were also smaller than those from the controls.Hatching success of cocoons was also adversely affected and the incubation period was longer. Knowledge of sublethal effects has predictive value in ecotoxicological work and could serve as a timely warning device of an overburdened soil ecosystem.