Title of article :
Optimal Stocking Density for Culturing Tropical Soil-dwelling Earthworm, Pontoscolex corethrurus
Author/Authors :
KOK, H.Y. Universiti Putra Malaysia - Faculty of Science - Department of Biology, Malaysia , NOR AZWADY, A.A. Universiti Putra Malaysia - Faculty of Science - Department of Biology, Malaysia , LOH, K.E. Universiti Putra Malaysia - Faculty of Science - Department of Biology, Malaysia , MUSKHAZLI, M. Universiti Putra Malaysia - Faculty of Science - Department of Biology, Malaysia , ZULKIFLI, S.Z. Universiti Putra Malaysia - Faculty of Science - Department of Biology, Malaysia
Abstract :
The present study was carried out to determine the optimal stocking density for culturing tropical soil dwelling earthworm, Pontoscolex corethrurus. F1 generation earthworms were cultured in four different stocking densities of 1, 4, 7 and 10 worms per vessel, corresponding to field densities of 50, 200, 350 and 500 individuals per m^2. Earthworms were kept under laboratory conditions (25±2°C and 25% moisture) for the 14 weeks study period. The results showed that at higher earthworm densities ( 350 individuals per m2), the earthworm growth was slower and sexual maturation was delayed as compared with their counterparts in lower stocking density. With the high survival rate and parthenogenetic reproduction mode, P. corethrurus could potentially be used as tropical soil rehabilitation agent.
Keywords :
Cocoon , culture , earthworm , stocking density
