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Tri- n -butyl phosphate (TBP) is widely used in various industrial processes and has been detected in all environmental matrices. So far, little work has been done regarding the metabolism of TBP on terrestrial invertebrates. We investigated the metabolism of TBP in the earthworm, Perionyx excavatus , after acute exposure to TBP for one and two days in filter paper contact test, as well as after chronic exposure for 28 days in soil experiment. Biotransformation products were identified by using liquid chromatography coupled with quadrupole time-of-flight mass spectrometry, and by exploiting the information dependent acquisition in tandem mass spectrometry. TBP exhibited low accumulation in earthworm-soil ecosystem at 10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg. The presence of earthworms significantly enhanced TBP degradation at 50 mg/kg in soil. Dibutyl phosphate and hydroxylated TBP were the major phase I metabolites. Three novel phase II metabolites were identified: ethanol dibutyl phosphate and its sulfate conjugate, and the phosphate conjugate of hydroxylated TBP. Hydroxylation and further phosphorylation dominated metabolism in chronic exposure. An extensive metabolic pathway of TBP in earthworm was proposed. This is the first report of TBP metabolism in terrestrial invertebrates and highlights the necessity to identify metabolites of contaminants when evaluating their bioaccumulation and toxicity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The pre-isolated B. cereus had shown better β-cypermethrin resistance at 100 mg L−1 dosage in the Mineral Salt Medium (MSM). Hence, it was applied for the biodegradation study on MSM. The GC-MS analysis revealed that the B. cereus had the potential to degrade β-cypermethrin and metabolize it into six predominant less or nontoxic components (benzene, 1-ethyl−3-methyl-, ethanethiol, 2-(dimethylamino)-, 1-(2-acetoxyethyl)-3,6-diazahomoadamantan-9-one, silane, 9-anthracenyltrimethyl-, 1-(3-hydroxy-3-methylbutyl)-3,6-,fumaric acid). Based on this biodegradation potential, four experimental groups, namely A, B, C, D and control, were framed and the biodegradation potential of B. cereus on β-cypermethrin and interaction with P. excavates were studied. Group C, which includes B. cereus and 10 P. excavates under β-cypermethrin stress excavates positive survival interaction. It was confirmed by the presence of metabolites such as benzene, 1-ethyl-3-methyl-, ethanethiol, 2-(dimethylamino)- and 1-(2-acetoxyethyl)-3,6-diazahomoadamantan-9-one, in P. excavates. Furthermore, these were similar to the metabolites of β-cypermethrin degraded by B. cereus. These results conclude that the biodegradation potential of B. cereus can protect the life of P. excavates from β-cypermethrin toxicity and thus, can support the balancing of soil fertility, structure and soil biotas such as flora and fauna. Abbreviations: MSM: mineral salt medium; g: gram; kg: kilogram; GC-MS: gas chromatography–mass spectrometry; mg L−1: milligram per litter; mL: milliliter; mg: milligram; min: minutes; MSTFA:N-methyl-N-(trimethylsilyl) trifluoroacetamide; EC: electric conductivity; N: nitrogen; P: phosphate; K: potassium; ECD: electron capture detector; OC: organic carbon; LB: Luria–Bertani; ºC: temperature in Celsius; pH: potential of hydrogen; R.T: retention time; NIST: National Institute of Standards and Technology; rpm: rotations per minute; TNAU: Tamil Nadu Agriculture University [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

India has a large network of pulp and paper mills of varying capacity. On an industrial scale the sludge from paper and pulp mills is disposed of either as landfill or incinerated. Both methods result in the loss of a valuable resource and have obvious environmental and economic disadvantages. The solid waste from pulp and paper mills is a source of organic matter and its proper disposal and management is the responsibility of the industry. As composting/vermicomposting could be used to transform this waste trials were carried out to determine the feasibility of converting dewatered sludge (DS) into a value added end product using an earthworm, Perionyx excavatus. The vermicomposting of the waste resulted in an increase in its electrical conductivity (EC), ash content, total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorous (TP) and available phosphorous (AP), respectively, and a decrease in total organic carbon (TOC), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), oxygen uptake rate (OUR) and evolution of carbon dioxide (CO2). Overall, the best treatment was T5 in which there was a 76.1% increase in TP, 58.7% in TN, 74.5% decrease in TOC , and a reduction of 6.7 fold in the production of CO2 and 10.7 fold in BOD, respectively. Our trials demonstrate that vermicomposting using an epigeic earthworm, Perionyx excavatus, is an alternate and environmentally safe way of recycling paper mill sludge if it is mixed with an appropriate amount of cow dung and food processing waste. Overall T5 was the best combination of paper mill sludge and waste for vermicomposting followed by T3, T2, T4 and T1, respectively.

Abstract Fetal bovine serum (FBS) plays a pivotal role in animal cell culture. Due to ethical and scientific issues, searching for an alternative, comprising the three R’s (Refinement, Reduction and Replacement) gained global attention. In this context, we have identified the heat inactivated coelomic fluid (HI-CF) of the earthworm, Perionyx excavatus as a potential alternative for FBS. Briefly, we formulated HI-CF (f-HICF) containing serum free medium which can aid the growth, attachment, and proliferation of adherent cells, similar to FBS. In this study, we investigated the biochemical characterization, sterility, stability, formulation, and functional analysis of HI-CF as a supplement in culturing animal cells. Notably, vitamins, micronutrients, proteins, lipids, and trace elements are identified and compared with FBS for effective normalization of the serum free media. HI-CF is tested to be devoid of endotoxin and mycoplasma contamination thus can qualify the cell culture grade. The f-HICF serum free media was prepared, optimised, and tested with A549, HeLa, 3T3, Vero and C2C12 cell lines. Our results conclude that f-HICF is a potential alternative to FBS, in accordance with ethical concern; compliance with 3R's; lack of unintended antibody interactions; presence of macro and micronutrients; simple extraction; cost-effectiveness and availability.

Three species of earthworms, Amynthas morrisi (Beddard, 1892), Perionyx himalayanus (Michaelsen, 1917) and Perionyx jorpokriensis (Julka, 1975) (Oligochaeta: Megascolecidae) are recorded for the first time from the soil of Sikkim, India. The earthworm fauna of Sikkim now includes seven families, 14 genera and 23 species. The specimens were collected from different habitats at several altitudinal zones of the study area. The illustrations with photographic descriptions are provided. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

OBJECTIVE: This study aimed to investigate the enzymatic anti-oxidative, hemolytic and cytotoxic activities of crude mucus proteins from the two earthworms including Eudrilus eugeniae (African night crawler) and Perionyx excavatus (Blue worm). MATERIALS AND METHODS: The bioactivities were determined by hemolytic activity, cytotoxic activity using HepG2 human hepatocellular carcinoma cells, L-929 mouse fibroblast and TK6 human lymphoblast cell lines and antioxidant activity. RESULTS: The results indicated that the hemolytic activity of mucus proteins of P. excavatus was higher than that of E. eugeniae.The cytotoxic activity of the mucus proteins of E. eugeniae could inhibit the growth of HepG2 with the IC50 at 144.2 ± 0.18 μg/mL but showed no effect on L-929 and TK6. On the other hand, the crude proteins of P. excavatus decreased cell viability of both L-929 and HepG2 with their IC50 respectively were 6.87 ± 0.16 and 174.3 ± 0.19 μg/mL but they did not reduce the growth of TK6 cell line. The SOD-like activity of P. excavatus and E. eugeniae crude proteins were found with the IC50 at 149 μg/mL and 386.2 μg/mL, respectively. For GPx-like activity, crude proteins of P. excavatus exhibited significant (p ≤ 0.05) greater activity than those of E. eugeniae when tested at the concentration 100 μg/mL. CONCLUSIONS: This study revealed the bioactivities of crude mucus of earthworms which served as alternative natural proteins for the prophylaxis or treatment of free radical-related diseases as well as development of dietary supplements and cosmetics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

In this research, we studied the affect of three different rates of Perionyx excavatus (10 %, 20 % and 30 %) to be added in the food stuff for black tiger shrimp in order to improve their growth and disease resistance. The study results showed that the most effectiveness has gained at the rate of 20% of Perionyx excavatus to be added in shrimp food. The study results also showed that experiment shrimp have better growth, healthy and less disease and gained 41.7% economic benefit higher than the control.

Regeneration is a biological process restoring lost or amputated body parts. The capability of regeneration varies among organisms and the regeneration of the central nervous system (CNS) is limited to specific animals, including the earthworm Perionyx excavatus . Thus, it is crucial to establish P. excavatus as a model system to investigate mechanisms of CNS regeneration. Here, we set up a culture system to sustain the life cycle of P. excavatus and characterize the development of P. excavatus , from embryo to juvenile, based on its morphology, myogenesis and neurogenesis. During development, embryos have EdU-positive proliferating cells throughout the whole body, whereas juveniles maintain proliferating cells exclusively in the head and tail regions, not in the trunk region. Interestingly, juveniles amputated at the trunk, which lacks proliferating cells, are able to regenerate the entire head. In this process, a group of cells, which are fully differentiated, reactivates cell proliferation. Our data suggest that P. excavatus is a model system to study CNS regeneration, which is dependent on the dedifferentiation of cells.

Objective: The purpose of the experiment was to examine the effect of different food sources on the growth and reproduction performances of an epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus ., Materials and Methods: The experiment was carried out in 18 cylindrical plastic containers for 10 weeks. The study was designed with six treatments, each having three replicates. In control treatment (T 1 ), cow dung was used as the only food source for the earthworm. In another five treatments, water hyacinth (T 2 ), chopped banana plant trunk (T 3 ), vegetable scrap (T 4 ), paddy straw (T 5 ), and sugarcane bagasse (T6) were used as food sources with cow dung as bedding material., Results: The maximum weight gain of earthworm P. excavatus was 3,294.7 ± 4.5 mg for the food staff of vegetable scrap (T 4 ). Earthworm P. excavatus fed with chopped banana plant trunk (T 3 ) showed a very similar weight gain of 3,243.7 ± 3.8 mg. On the contrary, the minimum weight gain was 1,799.7 ± 3.5 mg for the food staff of paddy straw (T 5 ). The maximum cocoon number of 137.33 ± 6.46 mg was observed in T 3 , whereas a minimum number of 36.67 ± 4.16 mg in T 1 . The highest number of hatchlings (12.33 ± 0.88 mg) was recorded in treatment T 3 , whereas the least number of hatchling (5.00 ± 0.58 mg) was observed in T 1 ., Conclusion: It was concluded that, among the six different food sources, chopped banana plant trunk was preferable food source to the earthworm for growth and reproduction., Competing Interests: There is no conflict of interest, (Copyright: © Journal of Advanced Veterinary and Animal Research.)

Graphical abstract Highlights • Vermicomposting of seaweeds + cowdung in 1:1 ratio was studied. • NPK showed significant increase while organic carbon and C/N showed reduction. • Total microbial population invariably increased by the action of earthworms. • Earthworms strongly accelerated vermiconversion of seaweed + cowdung substrates. • Growth and reproduction of earthworms showed acceptability of seaweed substrates. Abstract Fifteen days pre-decomposed seaweeds, Halimeda gracilis, Gracilaria corticata, Sargassum wightii and Sargassum swartzii spiked with cowdung (1:1) were vermicomposted using Perionyx excavatus for 60 days. The pH in the vermicompost showed insignificant reduction while electrical conductivity showed significant enhancement (P < 0.05). The reduction of organic carbon in vermicomposts ranged from −37.78 to −50.97% over worm-unworked composts. Total NPK contents showed significant increment (26.72–78.17%) in vermicompost over worm-unworked composts. The difference in percentage increase/decrease between physicochemical parameters was statistically significant (P < 0.001) and the same pattern was found between substrates. The total microbial population in vermicomposts was significantly higher than that of initial and composts of all seaweed + cowdung combinations (P < 0.001). The growth and reproduction of Perionyx excavatus in seaweed + cowdung combinations showed equivalent or higher rates when compared with cowdung signifying that Perionyx excavatus is well suited to convert seaweed and cowdung combinations into nutrient rich vermicompost. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworms belong to Phylum Annelida, Class Oligochaeta are truly coelomate animals and are known to be swell dwellers. They are exposed to pathogens in the soil. Global in distribution, they reveal biodiversity across India. We have studied the earthworm fauna of India and present here a total distribution of different species of earthworm from India, highlighting their biodiversity and ecology. The study of diversity and earthworm distribution across different states of India and different soil conditions, included under 20 agroeconomic zones (AEZ) of India including 14 families and 445 valid species is an intriguing study, being reported for the first time from India. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Fetal Bovine Serum (FBS) is used as a major supplement in culturing animal cells under in vitro conditions. Due to ethical concern, high cost, biosafety, and geographical as well as batchwise result variations, it is important to reduce or replace the use of FBS in animal cell culture. The major objective of this work is to evaluate the feasibility of heat-inactivated coelomic fluid (HI-CF) of the earthworm, Perionyx excavatus as a possible alternative for FBS in animal cell culture experiments. The coelomic fluid (CF) was extruded from the earthworm using electric shock method and used for the experiments. Electric shock method is a simple non-invasive technique, which has no harmful effect on earthworms. Mouse primary fibroblast and HeLa cell lines were used in this study. Among HI-CF, autoclaved CF and crude CF, the supplement of medium with HI-CF shows positive results. The processed HI-CF (90°C for 5 min) at 10% supplement in cell culture medium promote maximum cell growth but cells need the initial support of FBS for the attachment to the culture flask. Microscopic observation and immunofluorescence assay with actin and lamin A confirm that the cellular and molecular morphology of the cells is maintained intact. The HI-CF of earthworm, P. excavatus has shown better cellular viability when compared with FBS and making it possible as an alternative supplement to minimize the use of FBS., (© 2019 American Institute of Chemical Engineers.)

• Seaweeds in combination with cowdung (1:1) were subjected to vermicomposting for 60 days. • Earthworms significantly increased the EC and nutrients-NPK and reduced total organic carbon and C/N. • Vermicomposting by Perionyx excavatus increased the total microbial population. • Growth and reproduction of the earthworms shows the acceptability of seaweed substrates. The seaweeds, Gracilaria edulis, Turbinaria ornata and Ulva reticulata collected from Mandapam East Coast region of Tamil Nadu, India has been subjected to vermicomposting in combination with cowdung (CD) in 1:1 combination for 60 days under laboratory conditions. The percentage decomposition was ranged between 83.70 and 87.00 in the vermicompost of seaweed + CD combinations while it was 30.71 and 35.12% in worm-unworked compost where the decomposition rate of substrates with earthworms is significantly (P < 0.05) higher than the substrates without earthworms after 60 days. The physico-chemical characteristics of the vermicompost showed increased levels of electrical conductivity, NPK, while organic carbon, C:N ratio and organic matter content showed reduction in all seaweed + CD substrates. A higher amount of NPK of 1.38, 0.69 and 2.41% respectively in the vermicompost of Turbinaria ornata + CD was recorded with the respective percentage increase of 50.00, 68.29, and 34.64 over compost, and the values were significantly higher (P < 0.05) than in the initial substrate as well as the worm-unworked compost of Turbinaria ornata + CD. The activity of earthworms during vermicomposting of seaweed substrates significantly increased the total microbial population. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Major nutrient status of vermicompost of vegetable market waste (MW) and floral waste (FW) processed by three species of earthworms namely, Eudrilus eugeniae, Eisenia fetida, and Perionyx excavatus and its simple compost were assessed across different periods in relation to their respective initiative substrates. Their physical parameters—temperature, moisture, pH, and electrical conductivity—were also recorded. The nutrients—nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, and magnesium—increased in the vermicompost and compost while the organic carbon, C/N and C/P ratios decreased as the composting process progressed from 0 to 15, 30, 45, and 60 days. The nutrient statuses of vermicomposts of all earthworm species produced from both the wastes were more than that of the compost and that of their respective substrates. Moreover, the vermicompost produced by E. eugeniae possessed higher nutrient contents than that of E. fetida, P. excavatus, and compost. The MW showed higher nutrient contents than the FW. Thus, vermicomposting is the paramount approach of nutrient recovery of urban green waste.

Đê? ta?i đươ?c thư?c hiê?n nhă?m mu?c đi?ch tâ?n du?ng hê? protease hoa?t đô?ng ma?nh co? să?n trong đươ?ng ruô?t tru?n quê? (Perionyx excavatus) đê? sản xuất bột đạm có hàm lượng đạm amin cao, giá trị cảm quan tốt được phô?i trô?n thêm ca?c nguyên liê?u phu? la?m thư?c ăn nuôi thư? nghiê?m hâ?u â?u tru?ng tôm su? (Penaeus monodon) nhă?m đa?nh gia? hiê?u qua? cu?a sa?n phâ?m tư? phân gia?i tru?n quê?. Kiểm tra bột đạm sâ?y phun đạt châ?t lươ?ng tô?t nhất, bột co? màu sắc sáng, mùi thơm, đạt chi? tiêu an toa?n vê? mă?t vi sinh va? co? chư?a đâ?y đu? ca?c acid amin thiê?t yê?u. Nuôi thư? nghiê?m hậu ấu trùng tôm sú với thức ăn chế biến chứa 50,5% bô?t tru?n quê? thu?y phân cho kê?t qua? tăng trươ?ng chiê?u da?i va? châ?t lươ?ng tôm Postlarvae-15 tô?t hơn so vơ?i thức ăn chế biến tư? bô?t tru?n quê? chưa thu?y phân va? thư?c ăn ngoa?i nhâ?p Frippak.

This study aims at exploring earthworm protein hydrolysate and its peptide fractions as a potential hypoglycemic agent by inhibiting α-amylase and α-glucosidase. Firstly, the best hydrolysis conditions to gain the hydrolysates with the highest α-amylase inhibitory activity (α-AIA) and α-glucosidase inhibitory activity (α-GIA) were figured out using a one-factor test. Next, the stability of the hypoglycemic activity of the hydrolysates and their 5 peptide fractions recovered using ultrafiltration membranes were assessed by employing the tests of in vitro digestion, thermal, and pH treatment. The results showed that at the best hydrolysis conditions, the hydrolysates exhibited α-AIA of 91.30 ± 2.51% and α-GIA of 44.69 ± 0.47%. Specifically, the <1 kDa peptide fraction from the hydrolysate expressed a greater α-AIA than that of acarbose, with nearly the same α-GIA as that of voglibose. The α-AIA and α-GIA of the hydrolysates and their fractions were enhanced after the in vitro digestion treatment, whereas they remained over 40% after the pH treatment in the range of 1 to 11 or heat treatment at 100 °C for 180 min. These data provide the preliminary evidence to develop the earthworm protein hydrolysate and its peptide fractions in functional food or nutraceutical products with hypoglycemic activity. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

As a part of the ongoing biodiversity survey of aseptate gregarines in earthworms, samplings were carried out in the East part of the river Ganges of the Murshidabad district. The survey revealed the occurrence of a new species of Monocystis Stein, 1848, namely M. elongatum n. sp. from the earthworm host Perionyx excavatus Perrier, 1872. The gamonts of M. elongatum n. sp. are solitary, elongated and curved at the anterior end and gradually tapering towards the posterior end. The mucron is distinct. Gamonts measure 265.0-346.0 μm (310.0 ± 2.6, n= 36) in length and 46.0-64.3 μm (52.0 ± 3.1, n= 36) in width. The gametocysts are unique shaped with two equal sized gametocytes, and measure 74.0-98.3 μm (82.0 ± 1.9, n= 36) in length and 56.0-82.0 μm (72.5 ± 2.7, n= 36) in width. The oocysts are bi-conical, measuring 9.7-15.3 μm (12.3±3.1, n= 36) in length and 6.8-10.3 μm (9.4±1.1, 36, n= 36) in width. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Graphical abstract Highlights • Concentrations of heavy metals were significantly reduced in paper mill sludge by earthworm. • Heavy metals were accumulated by earthworm internal body. • High concentration of paper mill sludge showed the highest incidence of damaged tissues in earthworms. • Vermistabilization is a low-cost eco-friendly technology to combat land pollution. Abstract The present study demonstrates the vermistabilization of paper mill wastewater sludge (PMS) spiked with cow dung (CD) employing indigenous epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus Perrier. A total of six treatments were prepared along with a positive control (PC) and negative control (NC). Twenty earthworms were released into each treatment including PC and NC without earthworms. The different proportions viz., T1 (CD – 100%), T2 (PMS:CD – 1:3), T3 (PMS:CD – 1:2), T4 (PMS:CD – 1:1), T5 (PMS:CD – 3:1), T6 (PMS:CD – 2:1), PC (PMS – 100%) and NC (PMS – 100%) and changes in chemical parameters and microbial properties were recorded during the course of 60 days. Vermistabilization caused a significant decrease in the level of heavy metals: Cd (2.9–27.8%), Cu (0.22–42.3%), Pb (1.3–56.3%) and Cr (0.8–46.2%). The bioconcentration factor (BCFs) was also calculated and great amount of heavy metals accumulated in their body (mg kg−1) that ranged from 0.31 ± 0.003–0.45 ± 0.007 for Cd, 0.12 ± 0.005–0.24 ± 0.003 for Cu, 0.15 ± 0.005–0.31 ± 0.006 for Pb and 0.29 ± 0.007–0.56 ± 0.001 mg kg−1 for Cr, accumulation of heavy metals are in the order: Cr > Cd > Pb > Cu. The physicochemical parameters of earthworm treated substrate such as electrical conductivity, total nitrogen, total phosphorus and total potassium were significantly increased; whereas, pH, total organic carbon, C:N ratio (carbon: nitrogen) and C:P ratio (carbon: phosphorus) were reduced after 60 days of vermistabilization. The vermistabilized materials also had a higher population of bacteria (98.90 ± 0.30 CFU × 106 g−1), fungi (43.75 ± 0.55 CFU × 103 g−1) and actinomycetes (67.65 ± 0.45 CFU × 105 g−1) than initial mixtures. Moreover, several histopathological changes were observed in earthworm tissues viz., disintegration of cells, irregular surface of epidermis, cellular debris, irregular cellular compartmentation, and oval-shaped nucleus. Higher level of histopathological abnormalities was recorded in PC (PMS-100%) while none were detected in lower concentrations of PMS. Furthermore, the study concludes that the paper mill sludge in a mixture of cow dung (1:1 ratio) can be a useful proposition for utilizing this hazardous waste through the adoption of vermitechnology. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: The earthworm coelomic fluid (ECF) has shown proven antiproliferative effect against breast, liver, gastrointestinal and brain cancer, but it is least explored in oral cancer. The present in vitro study is an attempt to investigate the antiproliferative activity of ECF on oral cancer cell line squamous cell carcinoma (SCC)-9. Materials and Methods: ECF was collected from the species Eudrilus eugeniae (EE), Eisenia foetida (EF) and Perionyx excavatus (PE) stored at -80°C. Percentage inhibition of ECF on squamous cell carcinoma-9 cells in vitro was recorded at 24 h. Protein estimation was done using Bradford protein assay validated by the biuret method. Cytotoxicity was tested at 2.5, 5, 10, 20, 40 and 80 μg/ml concentrations by 3-(4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl)-2, 5-diphenyltetrazolium bromide assay in SCC-9 cells in vitro. GraphPad Prism 7.0 software was used to calculate the inhibitory concentration (IC50). Chi-square test was used to analyze the difference between samples. Results: The test samples EE, EF and PE inhibited the growth of SCC-9 cells significantly in a dose-dependent manner and the IC50 values were found to be 4.6, 44.69 and 5.27 μg/ml, respectively. The antiproliferative effect was found to be variable among the three earthworm species with EE showing the most promising effect followed by PE and EF. Conclusion: Establishing the antiproliferative effect of ECF on oral cancer cells could be an initial step toward drug development and future anticancer research. The preliminary investigation has shown that ECF has a promising antiproliferative effect on oral cancer cells in vitro. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Vermicompost finds an edge over other organic manures as the material so derived is known to embody certain unique characteristics. In addition to enhanced NPK content, it also increases the water holding capacity and improves aeration capacity of the soil. The present study has been experimented with Eucalyptus leaves and restaurant wastes mixed together and left over a prolonged period of time for better waste management. The methodology involves bed preparation for waste piles, rearing in artificial containers for the final preparation of the vermicompost and maintenance of the culture of "Effective Microbes" which helped to hasten the compost process. Certain physio-chemical parameters like pH, conductivity, temperature, moisture content, inorganic nitrogen, available phosphorous, total potassium and organic carbon content were also taken into consideration. The vermicompost material so derived, when chemically analysed, revealed a stabilized concentration of P, K and C content. However, the N content was found to be enhanced which could be attributed to atmospheric nitrogen fixation. The worm count also increased pointing at their multiplication, though their number was small. The study suggests that vermicomposting with Eucalyptus leaves can provide an efficient, safe and a cheap method to deal with management of waste. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Agriculture is an important part of the economy of the undivided Midnapore district. Agricultural land is its asset and most importantly its means of sustenance as well as survival. Earthworms are invertebrates that play a key role in recycling organic matters in soils. Since the intestines of earthworms harbor wide ranges of microorganisms, enzymes, hormones etc., these half digested materials decompose rapidly and are transformed into a stabilized material called vermicompost which is very useful for increasing the soil fertility. One has to look for these characters before recommending any species for vermiculture. In the present study, Perionyx excavatus specimens were collected from the undivided Midnapore district and from the Earthworms gut, bacteria, fungus, actinobacteria, and yeast were isolated and identified using various morphological and biochemical tests. All the bacterial isolates were identified using morphological study, staining techniques, and different biochemical tests such as catalase test, KOH test, H2 SO4 test, Starch hydrolysis test, oxidase test, and sucrose hydrolysis test. All the fungal, actinobacteria, and yeast isolates were subjected to staining and morphological characterization (color and texture of fungal colony). Bacterial isolates of genus Bacillus sp., Staphylococcus sp., Enterococci, Micrococcus sp., Enterobacter sp., and Citrobacter sp. were identified. Among the fungal isolates Aspergilus sp., and P. boydii were identified. Streptomyces sp., Nocardia sp. among the actinobacteria and Candida sp. among yeast were also found to be present in earthworm gut and these might play an important role along with the earthworm to increase the quality and fertility of soil., (© 2016 WILEY-VCH Verlag GmbH & Co. KGaA, Weinheim.)

Water hyacinth is well known for accumulating heavy metals from the water bodies and its uncontrolled growth; due to which it is posing serious threat to the water bodies and the environment. Therefore, the present paper aimed at the safe treatment and recycling of nutrients by vermicomposting of water hyacinth. Three different earthworm species E. fetida , E. eugeniae , P. excavatus were compared for its higher biomass growth, organic matter degradation and heavy metal changes during the study. The nutrient concentration and stability parameters (OUR and CO 2 evolution) were evaluated during the degradation of water hyacinth in five different trials. Results showed that nutrients (Na, K, Ca, Mg, total Nitrogen (TN) and available Phosphorous (AP)) were increased and the stability parameters were reduced significantly at the end of vermicomposting. It was observed that E. eugeniae accumulated higher concentration of heavy metals in its body tissue during transit of waste through worm’s gut. On an overall, E. fetida proved to be the best on account of biomass increment as well as juveniles hatched when compared with the other earthworm species during the treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigeic earthworms can significantly hasten the decomposition of organic matter, which is known to be mediated by gut associated microflora. However, there is scanty information on the abundance and diversity of the gut bacterial flora in different earthworm genera fed with a similar diet, particularly Eisenia foetida and Perionyx excavatus . In this context, 16S rDNA based clonal survey of gut metagenomic DNA was assessed after growth of these two earthworms on lignocellulosic biomass. A set of 67 clonal sequences belonging to E. foetida and 75 to P. excavatus were taxonomically annotated using MG-RAST and RDP pipeline servers. Highest number of sequences were annotated to Proteobacteria (38–44%), followed by unclassified bacteria (14–18%) and Firmicutes (9.3–11%). Comparative analyses revealed significantly higher abundance of Actinobacteria and Firmicutes in the gut of P. excavatus. The functional annotation for the 16S rDNA clonal libraries of both the metagenomes revealed a high abundance of xylan degraders (12.1–24.1%). However, chitin degraders (16.7%), ammonia oxidizers (24.1%) and nitrogen fixers (7.4%) were relatively higher in E. foetida , while in P. excavatus ; sulphate reducers and sulphate oxidizers (12.1–29.6%) were more abundant. Lignin degradation was detected in 3.7% clones of E. foetida , while cellulose degraders represented 1.7%. The gut microbiomes showed relative abundance of dehalogenators (17.2–22.2%) and aromatic hydrocarbon degraders (1.7–5.6%), illustrating their role in bioremediation. This study highlights the significance of differences in the inherent microbiome of these two earthworms in shaping the metagenome for effective degradation of different types of biomass under tropical conditions. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The data on growth and reproduction of composting earthworms may be beneficial for large scale earthworm production. The growth and reproduction of Perionyx excavatus were assessed in limited supplies of four experimental diets-cow dung alone and its mixture with acacia (Acacia auriculiformis) leaf litter, bamboo (Bambusa polymorpha) leaf litter and terrestrial weed Mikania micrantha under laboratory conditions to select suitable diet from our locally available resource for vermiculture. Growth performance of Perionyx excavatus was significantly (P<0.05) higher in cow dung (maximum weight mg worm-1 629 and growth rate mg worm-1 day-1 22.91). The rate of reproduction (0.3 cocoons worm-1 day-1 and 3.31 juveniles adult-1 week-1) was significantly higher (P<0.05) in acacia-cow dung mixture. The cocoon production was maximum on the 30th day in all experimental diets (cow dung, acacia-cow dung, bamboo-cow dung, mikania-cow dung). All the diets showed a maximum peak of juvenile production on the 45th day. The lowest rate of biomass increase as well as the rate of reproduction were observed in mikania-cow dung mixture. Present result indicates that cow dung and acacia leaf litter can be used as vermiculture substrate for P. excavatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Byline: Mani Prakash, Natchimuthu Karmegam Pre-decomposed (15 days) mango leaf litter with cowdung in 50:50 (wt/wt) was subjected to vermicomposting using Perionyx ceylanensis for 60 days. The electrical conductivity, total NPK, Ca, Na and other nutrients were higher in the vermicompost than in the worm unworked control substrate, whereas organic carbon and C/N ratio were lowered. The population of bacteria, fungi and actinomycetes at the start of the experiment (initial) increased progressively towards the end of vermicomposting. The final microbial population was higher and significantly different (p < 0.05) from the initial values. The incubation period of vermicompost showed significant positive correlation with microbial population (r = 0.99; p < 0.001).

The vermicomposting potential of Eisenia fetida and Perionyx sansibaricus was evaluated in bedding of different compositions like leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung substrate under laboratory condition. Their physical parameters namely pH and electric conductivity were also recorded. The decomposition efficacy of both species was indicated as significant increase in electrical conductivity, total N, available phosphorus and potassium, while decreases in pH, organic C and C/N ratio in duration of 0 to 15, 30, 45, 60, 75 and 90 days. The data reveals that in vermicomposting technology for decomposition of organic waste (viz., leaf litter and kitchen waste plus goat dung) into value added material, E. fetida executed better output than P. sansibaricus. Finally, the organic wastes were successfully transferred into nutrient rich vermicompost. Therefore, vermicomposting is the pinnacle approach for soil rehabilitation by using of different organic wastes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Summary: Coffee pulp is the main solid residue from the wet processing of coffee berries. Recent stringent measures by Pollution Control authorities, made it mandatory to treat all the solid and liquid waste emanating from the coffee farms. A study was conducted to evaluate the efficiency of an exotic ( Eudrilus eugeniae) and a native earthworm ( Perionyx ceylanesis) from coffee farm for decomposition of coffee pulp into valuable vermicompost. Exotic earthworms were found to degrade the coffee pulp faster (112 days) as compared to the native worms (165 days) and the vermicomposting efficiency (77.9%) and vermicompost yield (389 kg) were found to significantly higher with native worms. The multiplication rate of earthworms (280%) and worm yield (3.78 kg) recorded significantly higher with the exotic earthworms. The percentage of nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium, calcium and magnesium in vermicompost was found to increase while C:N ratio, pH and total organic carbon declined as a function of the vermicomposting. Vermicompost and vermicasts from native earthworms recorded significantly higher functional microbial group's population as compared to the exotic worms. The study reveals that coffee pulp can be very well used as substrate for vermicomposting using exotic ( Eudrilus eugeniae) and native earthworm ( Perionyx ceylanesis). [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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).

An earthworm assay was used to assess the toxicity of two main gasoline components. Ecotoxicities of toluene and methyl tert-butyl ether (MTBE) were compared for Asian earthworm Perionyx excavatus separately and in combination. Sum of toxic unit (TU) at 50% mortality for the mixture (LC50mix) was estimated from the dose (TU-based)–response relationships by the Trimmed Spearman–Karber method. Toluene was shown to be about five and two times more toxic to P. excavatus than MTBE in filter paper contact test and natural soil tests, respectively. This is primarily due to the adsorption of toluene to soil particles, leading to less bioavailability of toluene to the earthworm in soil. The combined effect of toluene and MTBE was investigated using toxic unit model, and it was found to be almost additive and synergistic responses to P. excavatus in filter paper contact test and soil tests, respectively. The combined effect of toluene and MTBE in filter paper contact test was not consistent with the results in soil toxicity tests. This phenomenon may be associated with the interaction of soil salts with pollutants. Treatment with toluene and MTBE also affected the behavior and morphology of P. excavatus. It indicates that the VOCs induce metabolic and functional damages in earthworms. Combined effects of gasoline components should be taken into account to soil risk assessment. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

The Hox genes of the oligochaete, Perionyx excavatus, were surveyed using PCR and phylogenetic analysis. We were able to identify 11 different Hox gene fragments. Comparative and phylogenetic analyses revealed that this oligochaete would have at least five Hox genes of the anterior group, including three copies of labial-type, five of the central group and one of the posterior group. This is the first report regarding sequence information and phylogenetic analysis of Hox genes in the earthworm. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Annelida is a lophotrochozoan phylum whose members have a high degree of diversity in body plan morphology, reproductive strategies and ecological niches among others. Of the two traditional classes pertaining to the phylum Annelida (Polychaete and Clitellata), the structure and function of the Hox genes has not been clearly defined within the Oligochaeta class. Using a PCR-based survey, we were able to identify five new Hox genes from the earthworm Perionyx excavatus: a Hox3 gene (Pex-Hox3b), two Dfd genes (Pex-Lox6 and Pex-Lox18), and two posterior genes (Pex-post1 and -post2a). Our result suggests that the eleven earthworm Hox genes contain at least four paralog groups (PG) that have duplicated. We found the clitellates-diagnostic signature residues and annelid signature motif. Also, we show by semi-quantitative RT-PCR that duplicated Hox gene orthologs are differentially expressed in six different anterior–posterior body regions. These results provide essential data for comparative evolution of the Hox cluster within the Annelida. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Effects of sub-lethal doses of carbaryl (1-Naphthyl-methylcarbamate), chlorpyrifos (O,O-diethyl O-3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinyl-phosphorothioate) and endosulfan (6,7,8,9,10,10-Hexachloro-1,5,5a,6,9,9a-hexahydro-6,9-methano-2,4,3-benzodioxathiepin-3-oxide), respectively a carbamate, an organophosphate and an organochlorine insecticide on growth, reproduction and respiration of the tropical earthworm, Perionyx excavatus (Perrier) were investigated under laboratory conditions. The results showed significant reduction in biomass, production and hatching of cocoon and production of juveniles of the worms exposed to 0.75 to 3.03 mg/kg soil of carbaryl, 0.91 to 3.65 mg/kg soil of chlorpyrifos and 3.75 to 15.0 μg/kg soil of endosulfan corresponding to 12.5 to 50 % of LC50 value of the respective insecticide for P. excavatus. Endosulfan was found most dangerous among the three insecticides followed by carbaryl and chlorpyrifos. There was no hatching of the worms at endosulfan treatment 5.0 μg/kg soil (25 % LC50) or above while the highest dose of carbaryl and chlorpyrifos (50 % of LC50) rendered respectively 87.13 and 24.84 % reductions in hatching as compared to control. Chlorpyrifos produced no change in respiration of the worms except at the highest dose, while the worms showed an increase in evolution of CO2 at all doses of carbaryl and endosulfan. Based on the recommended agricultural dose of each insecticide, it was concluded that application of endosulfan and carbaryl was potentially dangerous to earthworms. [ABSTRACT FROM PUBLISHER]

The article provides an overview on the study of the separation of EHGbox genes in the clitellate perionyx excavatus. The study reveals that the presence of the three EHGbox genes in perionyx recommends that these genes could be protected in clitellate. It also adds that the three EHGbox genes are existed in the protostomes and the deuterostomes of human ancestors.

Abstract: Potential of an oriental composting earthworm: Perionyx excavatus (Perrier) to decompose waste resources generated from agricultural practices (crop residues, farm yard manure, and cattle dung) was studied for 150days under laboratory conditions. At the end of experiment, all vermibeds showed significant decrease in their organic C content (∼21–29%), while increase in total N (∼91–144%), available P (∼63–105%), and exchangeable K (∼45–90%). P. excavatus showed maximum individual live weight (662.05mg) after 120days in MIXED (mixed crop residues+cow dung in 1:1) substrate. The maximum growth rate (mg worm−1 day−1) was between 3.79±0.08 and 2.35±0.16 on different substrates. The mean number of cocoon production was between 394.3±23.2 and 690.7±23.2 for different experimental beddings. MIXED bedding showed maximum reproduction rate (0.23±0.004 cocoons worm−1 day−1), whereas farmyard manure bedding (FYM) showed least value (0.15±0.002 cocoons worm−1 day−1). During vermicomposting, the total mortality in worms’ population was recorded between 0% (in MIXED) and 21.7% (in Jowar straw (Sorghum vulgare)+millet straw (Pennisenum typhoides)+sheep manure in 1:1:2 ratio (JMS)). The waste decomposition and earthworm production was associated strongly with the quality of the substrate, especially with their chemical as well as biological composition. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: The decomposition efficiency of Perionyx sansibaricus (Perrier) for vermicomposting was evaluated by using a variety of wastes such as agriculture waste, farm yard manure and urban solid waste. Vermicomposting resulted in significant increase in total N (80.8–142.3%), phosphorous (33.1–114.6%) and potassium (26.3–125.2%), whereas decrease in organic C (14.0–37.0%) as well as C:N ratio (52.4–69.8%) in different experimental beddings. P. sansibaricus showed maximum biomass production, growth rate (mgday−1), mean cocoon numbers, and reproduction rate (cocoonworm−1) in VLL (vegetable waste+leaf litter) as compared to other substrate materials. There was a consistent trend for earthworms’ growth and reproduction rate, related to initial N-content of the substrate (P <0.05), but there was no clear effect of C:N ratio of the composted material on earthworm cocoon numbers and weight gain. Earthworm showed minimum total population mortality in VLL and maximum in HHCD (household waste+cow dung), after 150 days of experimentation. The increased level of plant metabolites in end product (vermicompost) and growth patterns of P. sansibaricus in different organic waste resources demonstrated the candidature of this species for wastes recycle operations at low-input basis. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

As reported recently by the present authors, vermicomposting by the epigeic earthworm Eisenia fetida transforms the highly ligninous and allelopathic aquatic weed salvinia (Salvinia molesta) into a benign organic fertilizer. The present study was carried out with four other earthworm species, including three epigeic species of different sizes and phytophagic habits: Eisenia andrei, Lumbricus rubillus, and Perionyx sansibaricus. One anecic species, with geophytophagous habits, was also explored for comparison: Drawida willsi. The objective was to see whether the type of salvinia transformation caused by E. fetida is a general phenomenon or whether there are significant differences in the nature of biocomposts generated by different earthworm species. Accordingly, the characteristics of the biocomposts separately generated by each of the six species mentioned above were assessed with UV-visible spectrophotometry, Fourier-transform infrared spectrometry, differential scanning calorimetry, thermogravimetry, and scanning electron microscopy. The studies reveal that, with minor variations, the biocomposting by all four species was able to remove the intransigence of salvinia and impart plant/soil-friendly attributes to it in substantial measures. All the findings obtained with different techniques corroborated each other in arriving at this conclusion. Hence, it can be said that, in general, biocomposting by earthworms takes away the toxicity of pernicious weeds such as salvinia, converting them into plant-friendly and soil-friendly biofertilizers.

The effects of native earthworms (Perionyx excavates), cowdung, and leaf residues on soil physico-chemical properties and microbial biomass C, N and P were studied for three months in a laboratory. The soil in the boxes was amended with leaf residues (arccanut, banana, bamboo, and colocasia) and cowdung (1:1 ratio) to which a minimum of five earthworms were introduced. Soil pH, moisture content, total nitrogen content, and available phosphorous were significantly (p<0.05) higher in the treated soil. Among the treatments, earthworm population was high in the banana and bamboo residues. Nonetheless, population and biomass C, N, and P were higher in the pots treated with earthworm + cowdung + leaf residues, compared lo soil with only earthworm. Overall, earthworms in conjunction with high quality plant residues would enrich the soil nutrient status vis-à-vis crop production in the humid tropics. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract: Laboratory investigation on vermicomposting efficacy of Perionyx excavatus for recycling of distillation waste biomass of java citronella (Cymbopogon winterianus Jowitt) was carried out in two seasonal trials i.e. summer and winter periods. The experiment was conducted in earthen pots using a mixture of citronella waste material and cowdung in the proportion of 5:1. A control treatment without earthworms was setup for comparison of the results. The vermicompost had shown 5.8 folds reduction in C/N ratio and 5.6 folds enhancement in ash content. The nutrient contents (N, P, K, Ca and Mg) in the vermicompost had increase in the range of 1.2 – 4.1 fold than the initial level. The FT-IR spectra of the vermicompost confirmed increase in nitrogen rich compounds and decrease in aliphatic/aromatic compounds as compared to the initial level of the biowaste materials. The vermicomposting process is influenced by seasonal variation and summer was more productive than winter. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]