Abstract

The present study has investigated the toxic effect of monocrotophos  on the Earthworm  L. mauritii kept in different substrates by laboratory experiments. The LC50 value and their lower and upper confidence limits for four different substrates such as dry soil (control), cow dung, saw dust, dry coir waste and tea waste mixed with monocrotophos  have been worked out in the earthworm, Lampito mauritii.  It is important to note that the worms exposed to monocrotophos mixed with different substrates experience the behavioral changes noted as initial symptoms. The mortality differences observed between I hr – LC50 and 144 hr – LC50 and in the toxicity values of monocrotophos  mixed with substrates may be due to difference observed in the feeding activity of the animal in the respective substrate at different periods. The results suggest the substrate tea waste, saw dust and coir waste can be used as good manure to any crop which requires more monocrotophos to Lampito mauritii.  

Keywords

Lampito mauritii, Monocrotophos, Toxicity, Different substrates, Biological response.  

Received on 13/07/2016, Accepted on 28/08/2016, Published on 31/08/2016