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With the increasing demand for organic food production, the earthworm is used as a soil nutrient facilitator. The present study was conducted to assess the effect of epigeic earthworms Perionyx excavatus and Eisenia. fetida on soil nutrients and the consequent improvement of biomass productivity and yield of Capsicum chinense Jacq and Zea mays L. The experiment was conducted in 5 L and 15 L capacity plastic pots for C. chinense and Z. mays with 150 g and 300 g of half-decomposed cow dung, respectively. It was observed that the weekly harvest rate of ripened chili was 17.59 g, 13.91 g, and 9.24 g in P. excavatus, control, and E. fetida pot showing 26.49% higher in P. excavatus. Also, the total kernel count per corn was significantly different (F(2, 9) = 37.78, p < 0.05), with the highest kernel present in P. excavatus(333.5 ± 13.5), followed by E. fetida(261.5 ± 16.5) and control (235 ± 22). The impact of P. excavatus was more perceptible in C. chinense, indicated by higher leaf biomass (69.16%), root length (30.14%), and fruit harvest (71.03%). However, the effect of E. fetida was noticed more in Z. mays (stem length, 19.24%, stem biomass, 14.39%, root biomass, 20.9%, kernel count, 41.91%, and kernel weight, 95.07%). Enhanced plant productivity was also supported by an increasing soil nutrient turnover in organic carbon (OC) (25.76% and 23.4%), Phosphorus (P) (31.03% and 25.67%), and Potassium (K) (41.67% and 12.26) in P. excavatus and E. fetida worked soil respectively. The findings indicate that earthworms have a notable impact on plant biomass productivity by promoting the mineralization of soil nutrients and imply on possibility of organic cultivation of seasonal vegetables without using synthetic fertilizers. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Abstract Triphenyl phosphate (TPHP) is one of the most highly utilized organophosphorus flame retardants, and has been frequently detected in various environmental matrices, including soil. So far, limited information is known regarding the potential toxicity of TPHP to the earthworm-soil ecosystem. We investigated the metabolism of TPHP and the perturbation of the endogenous metabolome in the earthworm, Perionyx excavatus, using gas chromatography mass spectrometry (GC-MS) and liquid chromatography quadrupole time-of-flight (LC-QTOF)-based untargeted metabolomics approach after acute exposure to TPHP for one and two days through a filter paper contact test, as well as after chronic exposure for 28 days in a soil microcosm experiment. TPHP showed low bioaccumulation potential in the earthworm-soil ecosystem at concentrations of 10 mg/kg and 50 mg/kg. Identified phase I metabolites include diphenyl phosphate, mono-hydroxylated and di-hydroxylated TPHP. Two groups of phase II metabolites, thiol conjugates (including mercaptolactic acid, cysteine, cysteinylglycine, and mercaptoethanol conjugates) and glucoside conjugates (including glucoside, glucoside-phosphate, and C14H19O10P conjugates), were putatively identified. Only acute TPHP exposure caused significant perturbations of the endogenous metabolome in earthworms, featuring fluctuations in amino acids, glucose, inosine and phospholipids. These results reveal novel phase II metabolism and toxicity of TPHP in P. excavatus.

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]

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]

An experiment was carried out to determine the effect of replacing dietary fish meal protein with earthworm meal protein on growth performance, whole-body composition, and hematology of butter catfish (Ompok pabda). This experiment was conducted in 15 glass aquaria (200 L) with five treatments, each having three replications. Each of the aquaria was stocked with 40 fishes (average weight 0.62 g). The fish were fed with iso-nitrogenous diets having 35% protein (21% protein from fish meal and/or earthworm meal) twice a day up to satiation with the experimental diets, where fish meal protein was replaced by earthworm meal protein at 0% (control), 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100% in the treatments E0, E25, E50, E75, and E100, respectively. At the end of the 8-week rearing period, the best growth performances including weight gain (5.23 ± 0.14 g), percent weight gain (844.15 ± 6.38%), and specific growth rate (4.00 ± 0.11% day−1), and best feed utilization parameters, viz., feed conversion ratio (1.57 ± 0.03) and protein efficiency ratio (2.87±0.04), were found in treatment E75, where 75% of fish meal protein in the diet was replaced with earthworm meal protein. The hematological parameters showed no abnormality due to supplementation of earthworm meal in the diets. At the end of the experiment, whole-body carcass composition, viz., protein, lipid, and ash contents (15.93 ± 0.19%, 7.22 ± 0.60% and 2.14 ± 0.10%, respectively), of O. pabda was higher in treatment E75 compared to control (14.8 2± 0.34, 6.16 ± 0.27, 1.89 ± 0.10, respectively). The results imply that earthworm meal can be used as a protein-rich source to replace fish meal, the major protein source, in the diet of O. pabda up to 75% level without compromising growth, immunity, and body composition. [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]

• 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]

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]

In this study, 1 H nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR)-based metabolomics approach was used to characterize the metabolic response of the earthworm Perionyx excavatus in continuous vermifiltration for two months under hydraulic loading rates of 1 m 3 m −2 d −1 (VF1) and 1.5 m 3 m −2 d −1 (VF1.5). Both VF1 and VF1.5 showed higher removal of chemical oxygen demand and total nitrogen than the biofilter without earthworms. Principal component analysis of the NMR spectra of earthworm metabolites showed significant separations between those not subjected to wastewater filtration (control) and VF1 or VF1.5. Temporal variations of earthworm biomass, and the identified metabolites that are significantly different between control, VF1 and VF1.5 revealed that worms underwent increasing metabolic activity within 20 days in VF1 and 14 days in VF1.5, then decreasing metabolic activity. The use of NMR-based metabolomics in monitoring earthworm metabolism was demonstrated to be a novel approach in studying engineered vermifiltration systems. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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 (T1), cow dung was used as the only food source for the earthworm. In another five treatments, water hyacinth (T2), chopped banana plant trunk (T3), vegetable scrap (T4), paddy straw (T5), 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 (T4). Earthworm P. excavatus fed with chopped banana plant trunk (T3) 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 (T5). The maximum cocoon number of 137.33 ± 6.46 mg was observed in T3, whereas a minimum number of 36.67 ± 4.16 mg in T1. The highest number of hatchlings (12.33 ± 0.88 mg) was recorded in treatment T3, whereas the least number of hatchling (5.00 ± 0.58 mg) was observed in T1. 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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]

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]

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]

Abstract: Municipal solid waste (MSW) was vermicomposted in combination with cowdung (CD) using Perionyx ceylanensis for 50days. The decomposition rate of 55–78% was observed in different vermibed substrates, the highest being CD followed by 10:1 ratio of CD+MSW. The C/N ratio was reduced from 41.8 to 17.6 and 38.8 to 15.4 in MSW+CD (10:1) and CD, respectively. The difference in the final C/N ratio between MSW+CD (10:1) and CD vermicompost was not significant (p< 0.05). The important nutrients, NPK showed significantly (p< 0.05) higher contents in vermicomposts than worm-unworked composts. The degradation rate of cellulose and lignin was 37% and 12%, respectively, in 10:1 vermibed mix with P. ceylanensis. The bacterial, fungal and actinomycetes population in vermicompost was significantly higher than in the compost. The biomass, number and cocoons of P. ceylanensis collected after 50days showed increase with the increase of CD incorporation in MSW. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

Abstract: Sugar industry-derived pressmud was mixed with an equal amount of cow dung (1:1), and vermicomposted with Perionyx ceylanensis Mich. The resultant vermicompost had a pH of 7.33, electrical conductivity of 2.32dS/m, a nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium content of 1.63%, 2.38%, and 3.13%, respectively, an organic carbon content of 29% and a C/N ratio of 17.89. The increase of NPK in vermicompost over worm-free compost was 36.94%, 28.56%, and 20.82%, respectively. The populations of bacteria, actinomycetes and fungi increased in the compost in the presence of the earthworms. In the worm guts, the microbial populations were highest in the midgut. Correlation of microbial population increase with duration of vermicomposting was statistically significant at P >0.05 (r =0.973, 0.99, and 0.993, respectively for bacteria, fungi, and actinomycetes). The changes in total bacterial, fungal, and actinomycetes populations positively correlated with duration of vermicomposting. The study indicates that pressmud can be effectively converted into nutrient- and microorganism-rich vermicompost with P. ceylanensis when mixed with cow dung in 1:1 ratio. [Copyright &y& Elsevier]

A survey work was conducted in Satkoshia-Baisapalli Wildlife Sanctuary in Odisha, India, where altogether 10 earthworm species were collected. Out of these, four species—Pontoscolex corethrurus (Müller, 1856), Metaphire houlleti (Perrier, 1872), Perionyx bainii Stephenson, 1915, Perionyx barotensis Julka & Paliwal 1993—are reported for the first time after the original description and is proved to be a new record for the state of Odisha.

A laboratory scale study was conducted to assess the suitability of rubber leaf litters as vermiculture substrates for Perionyx excavatus, Eudrilus eugeniae and Eisenia fetida. Earthworm mortality, their rate of body weight increase and reproduction were measured during the investigation. In E. eugeniae, E. fetida and P. excavatus, the rate of increase of body weight was 28.8, 6.2 and 5.04 mg worm-1 day-1, respectively, in rubber leaf litter. Mortality of the adults was very high (50%) in P. excavatus when compared with that (17%) of both Eisenia and Eudrilus. Rate of reproduction in rubber leaf litter diet for both E. eugeniae (1.4 young worm-1 week-1) and E. fetida (1.3 young worm-1 week-1) was significantly higher (P < 0.05) than that in P. excavatus (0.2 young worm-1 week-1) over a period of 62 days. From our present investigation, it appeared that the suitability of rubber leaf litters as a vermiculture substrate for the species studied was in the descending order: E. eugeniae > E. fetida > P. excavatus. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Carbon to nitrogen (C/N) ratio influences substrate combinations and earthworm performance in vermicomposting systems. To elucidate these factor effects, a comparative evaluation of species, C/N ratio combined with feed rate, was conducted on three local earthworm species: Perionyx excavatus, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Dichogaster annae. Earthworms were stocked at similar densities and fed shredded paper (SP), cattle manure (CM), and lawn clippings (LC) combined to form C/N ratios of 28, 36, and 53. Earthworms were fed at rates of 1, 1.25, and 2 g feed (dry wt.)/g worm/day for a period of 8 weeks. Percent vermiconversion, earthworm adult and juvenile biomass, and vermicast quality were measured. Vermicast production was significantly affected by the combination of C/N ratio and feed rate and varied among species. All treatment combinations resulted in > 70% conversion, except E. eugenaie fed at the medium rate. Vermiconversion increased for P. excavatus and D. annae with increasing C/N ratio but decreased with increasing the feed rate. Vermicast EC, pH, and C/N ratio was strongly affected by species, relative to other experimental factors. D. annae showed the greatest change in biomass, which peaked at the highest feed rate and lowest C/N ratio. Average adult biomass decreased for P. excavatus with increasing feed rate, while differences were nonsignificant for E. eugenaie and D. annae. Significant increases in average juvenile biomass were only evident for D. annae in response to increasing feed rates. Feed rate had a greater influence on earthworm population dynamics and vermicast quality compared to initial feedstock C/N ratio. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Haryana is primarily an agrarian state. The existing studies of earthworm diversity in Haryana are restricted mostly to the trans-Gangetic plains of eastern Haryana. To explore the diversity in central Haryana, the present study was conducted at six different sites of Tehsil Gohana of District Sonipat in Haryana, India. A total of eight species belonging to three different families were recorded from six different sites. Metaphire posthuma, Metaphire planta, Lampito mauritii and Perionyx excavatus belong to the family Megascolecidae. Three species viz., Eutyphoeus orientalis, Eutyphoeus incommodus, and Octochaetona beatrix, belong to the family Octochaetidae and Pontoscolex corethrurus belongs to the family Glossoscolecidae. Pontoscolex corethrurus, Perionynx excavitus and Eutyphoeus orientalis are the first record. Present findings reveal the first record of three species, namely, Pontoscolex corethrurus, Perionynx excavitus and Eutyphoeus orientalis, belonging to the family Glossoscolecidae, Megascolecidae and Octochaetidae, respectively. [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, H2SO4 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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Alternative plant growing inputs have been increasingly sought out to reduce the economic-environmental impacts of intensive use of synthetic fertilizers in conventional agriculture. This study aimed to evaluate the production components of lettuce in response to the use of earthworm compost in substrate compositions. The experiment was carried out in a greenhouse using a completely randomized design in a 3 x 5 factorial scheme, with six replications, testing three earthworm species (Eisenia andrei, Eudrilus eugeniae, and Perionyx excavatus) and five drilocompost ratios (0%, 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), produced by these species and added to the composition of substrates by mixing them with soil. Production components evaluated comprised total and commercial numbers of leaves, commercial fresh weight, as well as shoot and total fresh and dry weights. Lettuce production components increased as the drilocompost ratio in substrates was raised, regardless of the earthworm species. Moreover, the addition of 25% this drilocomposted material in the dystrophic soil was enough to improve its fertility condition. In general, substrates prepared with worm castings from Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae were more efficient in increasing lettuce production components than that from Eisenia andrei. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Diversity and distribution of earthworm species was conducted in the randomly selected places of Golaghat district (93016/to 94010/E and 25050/to 26047/N) of Assam, North-East, India. Earthworms were collected from Different soil habitats i.e. Agricultural field (AF) soil, cow dung (CD), grassland (GL), Alluvial (AL) and Tea Garden (TG) Soil. Eight species of earthworms were identified as Lampito maruitii (Kinberg, 1866), Perionyx excavates (Perrier, 1872), Perionyx pulvinnatus (Stephenson, 1916), Metaphire posthuma (Vaillant, 1868), Amyathas diffringens (Baird, 1869) belonging to Family Megascolecidae; Eutyphoeus kempi Stephenson, 1914 belonging to family Octochaetidae; Drawida nepelensis Michaelsen, 1907 belonging to family Moniligastridae, Octolasion tyrtaeum (Savigny, 1826) belonging to family Lumbricidae; recorded from the study area. The distribution depends on different soil habitat and condition. We found in this study the species Lampito maruitii (Kinberg, 1866) is maximum and Perionyx excavates (Perrier, 1872) and Eutyphoeus kempi Stephenson, 1914 are minimum than other species. The present study is the pioneer documentation on diversity and distribution of earthworm species collected from different soil habitats of Golaghat district of Assam, India. This present study will help in conservation strategy of indigenous earthworm of study area in future prospects respectively. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Living organisms are naturally bestowed with unique and imitable qualities for maintaining ecological balance and earthworms are no exceptions. These so-called keystone species of terrestrial ecosystems are equipped with wonderful machinery, allowing them to nurture soil beautifully. Earthworm gut represents a potential microbial reservoir, having a complex interdependence with the host. The study aimed to profile bacterial community structure of three earthworm species belonging to two different life forms; Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae (epigeic), Polypheretima elongata (endogeic) respectively. Diversity analysis using 16S amplicon sequencing revealed that the dominant phyla were Proteobacteria (34.17-77.88) followed by Actinobacteria (13.43-35.54%), Firmicutes (1.69-15.45%) and Bacteroidetes (0.51-8.12%). The alpha diversity indices explicit similar gut microbiota of Perionyx excavatus and Eudrilus eugeniae and while higher alpha diversity was recorded in comparison to Polypheretima elongata gut. The taxonomic to the phenotypic annotation of 16S rRNA metagenomes revealed that dominance of Gram-negative bacterial community in all earthworm species while, Polypheretima elongata comprises higher percentage (78%) of Gram-negative bacterial community to Perionyx excavatus (32.3%) and Eudrilus eugeniae (38.3%). The oxygen requirement phenotypic analysis showed that all earthworm species were abundant with aerobic followed by anaerobic bacterial groups. Furthermore, functional metabolism phenotypic analysis revealed that a high abundance of ammonia oxidizers (29.3-80.2%), the gut microbiomes showed the relative abundance of sulphate reducer (22.6-78.7%), nitrite reducer (19.8-73.2%), dehalogenators (12.6-25.1%), illustrating in the role of these microbial communities in various degradation and bioremediation processes. The present study signifies the intrinsic gut microbiota of earthworm species for intensified biodegradation. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The present study was conducted to investigate earthworm diversity in the Kumaun region of Uttarakhand, India. Earthworm sampling was made from 1,409-2,224 m from the foothills of the Kumaun Himalaya to higher altitudes monthly from April 2019 to April 2021, covering the major monsoon season in India. Earthworms were collected from twelve different sites using the hand sorting method and preserved in 10% formalin. We recorded 14 earthworm species representing four families: Megascolecidae (Amynthas corticis, Amynthas morrisi, Amynthas alexandri, Metaphire anomala, Metaphire houlleti, Metaphire birmanica, & Perionyx excavatus); Lumbricidae (Aporrectodea caliginosa trapezoides, Aporrectodea rosea rosea, Eisenia fetida, Octolasion tyrtaeum, & Dendrodrilus rubidus); Moniligastridae (Drawida japonica); and Octochaetidae (Eutyphoeus nainianus). Drawida japonica from the family Moniligastridae is being reported for the first time from the Kumaun Himalaya. Moniligastrids are an important, yet often ignored, earthworm group commonly found in cultivated soils of higher altitudes. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

The 96 h LC50 values of six insecticides were determined on a non-target epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus under laboratory conditions. Cypermethrin was found most toxic to P. excavatus (LC50-0.008 mg/kg), followed by endosulfan (LC50-0.03 mg/kg), carbaryl (LC50-6.07 mg/kg), chlorpyrifos (LC50-7.3 mg/kg), aldicarb (LC50-10.63 mg/kg) and monocrotophos (LC50-13.04 mg/kg). When these LC50 values were compared with their respective recommended agricultural doses, aldicarb and carbaryl appeared more dangerous than other pesticides because of their lower LC50 values than their respective recommended agricultural dose. Mean lethal time to cause 50% mortality at recommended agricultural dose (LT50) also indicated that aldicarb achieved the fastest LT50 (26 h) followed by endosulfan (38 h) and carbaryl (44 h) indicating the danger of these pesticides to P. excavatus. [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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Epigeic earthworms (Oligochaeta) have been appeared as key organisms to convert organic waste resources into value-added products, i.e., vermicompost and worm biomass. The assessment of reproduction potential of composting earthworm may be beneficial for large-scale earthworm production. Although, the waste minimizing potential of Perionyx excavatus and Perionyx sansibaricus is well proved, but little information is available about their fecundity rate. In this study, the efforts have been made to explore the growth and reproduction biology of P. excavatus and P. sansibaricus, using cattle waste solid as culture substrate, under laboratory conditions. Earthworms were weighed weekly and number of cocoons produced per week assessed. Biomass productions, fecundity, maturation, natality all were significantly different between P. excavatus and P. sansibaricus. The highest mean individual biomass was 767.7 ± 18.4 mg and 612.6 ± 20.6 mg, respectively in P. sansibaricus and P. excavatus. However, the highest cocoon numbers occurred in P. excavatus (492.3 ± 13.6), significantly higher than P. sansibaricus (269.6 ± 17.1). Fecundity was slightly different in both species: 1.38 ± 0.77 cocoons adult worm−1 week−1 ( P. excavatus) and 1.58 ± 0.74 cocoons adult worm−1 week−1 ( P. sansibaricus). The hatchling success rate (%) was highest in P. excavatus. Overall natality (juveniles adult−1 week−1) was highest in P. sansibaricus (1.52) than P. excavatus (1.26), which suggests that P. sansibaricus may be a better candidate for rapid propagation of earthworms in cattle waste solid. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

An outdoor study was undertaken using polyethylene containers to assess the suitability of different organic residues, soybean straw ( Glycine max L. Merril.), wheat straw ( Triticum aestivum L.), maize stover ( Zea mays L.), chickpea straw ( citer arietinum L.) and city garbage, as food for the tropical epigeic earthworm Perionyx excavatus, and to assess the influence of this earthworm on the decomposition of these materials. Maize stover was found to be the most suitable of the food materials used. Population growth of P. excavatus was enhanced by addition of these organic materials in the temperature range 24°-30°C, while the population was adversely affected above 30°C in a vermiculture system. Addition of earthworms accelerated the breakdown of residues, which ultimately resulted in a lowering of the C:N ratio, water-soluble carbon and carbohydrates, and increased ash percentage and cation exchange capacity compared with their respective controls. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

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. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Earthworms are economically and environmentally very beneficial and their correct identification is very vital. In this study, an attempt has been made to taxonomically identify earthworm species based on morphological characters. The earthworms were collected by simple random sampling from eighteen study sites of Poonch division Pakistan, between April through October 2019 by diging and hand sorting methods were fixed in 10% formaldehyde solution and studied by using a stereomicroscope. The samples were then identified with the help of identification keys provided by Julka (2008) and Chih-Han (2016). The data gathered by studying various external morphological characteristics was statistically assessed by using the one-factor analysis of variance (ANOVA). The research findings revealed that a total of eleven earthworm species classified under two families and six genera were recognized. Moreover, a significant statistical relationship (Tukey test, P < 0.05) was recorded between each of the morphological variables like length, weight and total number of segments. Eisenia fetida was the dominant species of Poonch division as it was reported from most of the sites, whereas Amynthus hupeiensis and Perionyx excavatus were not previously reported in the country. By keeping in mind the ecological significance of earthworms, the country’s research centers should focus on preparing an atlas for advance identification in the future. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]