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.