Comparative Study of Growth and Reproduction of Earthworm Eudrilus Eugeniae in Different Organic Substrate

Abstract

Utilization of Bio-methanated Distillery Effluent (Spent Wash) as a potential substrate in vermiculture of Eudrilus eugeniae was studied at Advanced Research Farm Facility (ARFF) of Tamil Nadu Fisheries University, Madhavaram campus. The biological parameters of earthworm Eudrilus eugeniae were recorded when reared in different vermibeds treated with domestic waste (DW), crude spent wash (CSW) and diluted spent wash (DSW). Cow dung (CD) and leaf litter (LL) were used as base substrate material in all treatments. The experiment was conducted in perforated trays (45 x 30 x 10 cm) for a period of 10 weeks, in duplicates. Four number of non-clitellated adults (950-1025mg live weight) were introduced in each experimental unit. The experiment was conducted at an ambient temperature of 28-30°C. Growth parameters such as mean individual live weight, maximum individual growth rate (mg/worm/day), total biomass gain; reproductive performance indicators such as number of cocoons, reproduction rate (cocoon/worm/day) and hatching viability were significantly higher in vermibed treated with diluted spent wash. Mortality and growth retardation was observed in the vermibed treated with crude spent wash. To conclude, appropriately diluted spent wash can be used as a potential substrate in the vermiculture operation of Eudrilus eugeniae.