The preferential feeding habits of Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica (Bowdich) on selected crops grown and weeds found in Trinidad, West Indies

Abstract

A study was conducted to determine the preferential feeding habits of the Giant African Snail (GAS) Achatina (Lissachatina) fulica (Bowdich) on selected crops and selected weeds found in Trinidad, West Indies. The intraspecific plant vulnerabilities such as vegetative (leaves) and reproductive structures (flowers and pods/fruits) of ochro, pumpkin, seim, papaya and eggplant were investigated. Additionally, the preference for leaves of selected weeds (Amaranth spp, Portulaca oleracea and Cleome spp) and root crops (cassava, sweet potato and dasheen) were investigated. In determining the intraspecific preference for the parts within a crop, 10 g of each component (leaves, flowers and pods) were placed into a chamber with three adult GAS, averaging 5 cm in length and replicated five times for each crop. The GAS had the option to choose between vegetative and reproductive structures. Similarly, 10 g of leaves for each weed were placed into a chamber with three adult snails and replicated five times. In determining the vulnerabilities for the leaves of the selected root crops, the treatment and replicates were similar to the weeds in that the GAS also had the option to select among the leaves of the root crops presented. The amount of plant material consumed after 24 and 48 h was recorded and statistically analyzed using Statistical Package for Student of Social Sciences (SPSS) version 22. The results of the study showed that the GAS exhibit significant preferences (p < .05) for components of plant parts within a plant and for consuming more leaves of one type of weed and root crop over another. The study concluded that by knowing the specific vulnerabilities of a crop to the GAS, the crop protection approaches to controlling the GAS in a cropping system can be more appropriately redesigned and precision based.