JOURNAL of Soil Biology and Ecology

Management of giant African snail, Achatina fulica Bowdich

Authors: B.S. BASAVARAJU

Abstract:

A survey was carried out in betel vine growing villages of Davanagere district, Karnataka to estimate the population density and damage caused by the Giant African Snail, Achatina fulica Bowdich. The damage was noticed in betel vine both in well-established gardens, newly establishing fresh gardens and on staking plants like Erythrina sp. and drum stick. It was observed that more abundant population ranging from 20-24, 17-21, 11-17, 7-15 and 9-14 were present both on staking plant and at the base of the vine at Hanagavadi, Belludi, Araganahalli, Nagenahalli and Ramathirtha villages, respectively. Overall damage varied from 60-64, 55- 58, 45-50, 40-45, 38-40 per cent at Hanagavadi, Belludi, Araganahalli, Nagenahalli and Ramathirtha villages, respectively. The results of a feeler trial conducted at Hanagavadi village during kharif season indicated that spraying of Dichlorva 76 EC @ 1 ml/l on vines, ring band placement of salt crystal and mixtures of salt crystal and lime powder in 1:1 ratio were found to be effective in reducing the snail population.

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