Journal of Environmental Biology

Influence of organic wastes on the biology of epigeic earthworm, Perionyx excavatus during different seasons

Pulikeshi M. Biradar* and Vijaykumar A. Biradar

Department of P.G. Studies in Zoology, Karnatak University, Pavate Nagar, Dharwad ?580 003, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: pulikeshi123@rediffmail.com

Publication Data

Paper received:

27 May 2014

Revised received:

04 November 2014

Re-revised received:

01 February 2015

Accepted:

20 March 2015

Abstract

Epigeic earthworm, Perionyx excavatus were cultured on a variety of organic wastes amended with cattle manure in different seasons to know the influence of different organic waste-diets and seasonal environmental factors on life activities of epigeic earthworm, Perionyx excavatus. Results showed that growth and reproductive strategies of P. excavatus varied with different organic waste-diets and seasons. Growth, maturity and reproduction of worms in all waste-diets were significantly more during monsoon followed by winter and summer seasons. All agricultural and garden organic wastes served as a source of balanced diet for this worm during all three seasons. Further, mixed organic waste and soft (straw-based) wastes appeared more congenial for overall life activities of this worm than that of hard (pod-based) wastes (P<0.001, P< 0.05). ?  

 Key words

Organic wastes, Epigeic earthworm, Perionyx excavatus, Seasons

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