'n Nuwe toetsmedium vir eko-toksikologiese studies met Eisenia fetida
Abstract
The need for a defined test-medium to determine the sublethal effects of pesticides on earthworms, was felt after it became
apparent that the materials used unto now, were of a varying and
un-reprodusable nature. The aim of this project was the development
of a defined medium suitable for long-term exposure of
agro-chemicals to an earthworm Eisenia fetida.
MCU- vermiculite (commercially obtainable) and various chemically
defined food components were selected. Juvenile earthworms (age 20
days) reached maturity and cocoon production started 30 days after
introduction. The worms can successfully be monitored for a period
up to 60 days. ...