Chinese Spinach (Amaranthus viridis Linn.) as Natural Molluscicide Against the Hatchability of Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata Lamarck) Eggs

Abstract

Background:  Golden apple snail (P. canaliculata) is an invasive pest which destroyed the wide range of agricultural crops, especially rice. It has been found to be a major pest resulting to losses in rice production. To control this pest easily farmers used synthetic molluscicides which can lead to several problems such as environmental contamination and health hazards. In view of this, some plants have been investigated for their intrinsic molluscicidal properties in an attempt to find an alternative pesticide which is not only safe and environmental friendly but also readily available and affordable. The development of the natural molluscicide would bring a healthier environment, safe to human and results to the increased food production. Hence, the study addresses the SDG 15, Life on Land and SDG 2, Zero Hunger.  This study aims to determine the molluscicidal activity of chinese spinach (A. viridis) leaf extracts against the hatchability of P. canaliculata eggs.  

Methods:  Plant samples were prepared and extracted using expression extraction method. Different concentrations of molluscicides using the extracts of A. viridis were prepared. Four experimental treatments based on the A. viridis extract concentration (i.e. 25%, 50%, 75%, and 100%), one negative control (distilled water), and one positive control (commercially available synthetic molluscicide) were used in the study.

Results:  Results showed that the leaf extracts of A. viridis altered the normal development P. canaliculata eggs.

Conclusion:  The results demonstrate that A. viridis is a potential alternative pesticide that inhibit the hatchability of the golden apple snail and which is not only safe and environment friendly but also readily available and affordable that will surely benefit farmers.