Population Density of Slug Filicaulis alte and Snail Macrochlamys indica in Relation to Edaphic Factors

Survey of three plant nurseries viz. New Om nursery, Ambrosia nursery and Green Hut nursery at Muktsar revealed that one snail species, Macrochlamys indica was found in three plant nurseries. Two colour form (types) of slug, Filicaulis alte viz. black slug with yellow mid dorsal streak and brown slug with black spots, which was more active as compared to black slug with yellow mid dorsal line, were found only in New Om nursery and Green Hut nursery. No slug was found in Ambrosia nursery. The order of overall gastropod count was highest in New Om nursery, followed by Ambrosia nursery and Green Hut nursery. Snail, M. indica and slug, F. alte preferred sandy loamy alkaline soil along with high moisture, nitrogen, particle density, porosity and low bulk density. Hence, edaphic factors play an important role in determining the distribution of the slug and snail in plant nurseries.