'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. ...