Division of Entomology, Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi-110012
Online published on 15 October, 2011.
Response of granular insecticides viz. phorate, cartap hydrochloride and carbofuran at recommended and double dosage was tested against earthworm Eisenia fetida. The response was assessed for cocoon production, hatching, increase in biomass and survival of young as well as adult earthworms. Over a period of 60 days, mean number of cocoons produced ranged between 0–3.25, number of juveniles from 2.5–26.8 g and increase in biomass between 0.29–0.86 g. The results revealed that all the tested insecticides were toxic to juveniles while phorate at both the dosages was toxic to cocoons production. However, these insecticides did not affect increase in biomass and survival of adult earthworms.
granular insecticides, earthworms, cocoons, juveniles, biomass, Eisenia fetida
