Journal of FARM SCIENCES, Vol 21, No 1 (2008)

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Reproductive Potential of Vermicomposting Earthworms, Eudrilus eugeniae(Kinberg) and Perionyx excavatus (Perrier) as Influenced by Seasonal Factors

R.S. Giraddi, K.P. Gundannavar, P.S. Tippannavar, N.D. Sunitha

Abstract


Studies on comparative reproductive biology of vermicomposting earthworms were taken up at the Main Agricultural Research Station, UAS, Dharwad during 2004-05, to assess the reproductive potential, across the seasons. Eudrilus eugeniae (Kinberg) was observed to have mean fecundity of 6.75 cocoons/week (with a range of 5.4 during summer months to 7.75 during rainy season) as against 2.63 cocoons/week (2.10 during summer to 3.00 in rainy months) seen in Perionyx excavatus (Perrier). The incubation period was 16.2 days in E. eugeniae as compared to slightly higher duration (20.7 days) in P. excavatus. Number of neonates per cocoon was higher (2.71) in E. eugeniae, where as it was 0.81 in P. excavatus. Seasonal variation appeared to exert no influence on incubation period as well as  neonate numbers /cocoon, for both the species.  While fecundity was reduced in summer.  Hatching percentage which speaks on the viability of cocoons was higher (85.3) in E. eugeniae V/s 68.3 observed in P. excavatus, which in both the worms was influenced by seasonal changes. The results obtained in the study indicated that E. eugeniae is the prolific breeder as compared to P. excavatus.

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