Molluscicidal effect of nicotinanilide and its intermediate compounds against a freshwater snail Lymnaea luteola, the vector of animal schistosomiasis

The molluscicidal effect of nicotinanilide was evaluated and compared with niclosamide (2',5-dichloro-4'-nitrosalicylanilide, ethanolamide salt) against different stages of the freshwater snail Lymnaea luteola i.e., eggs, immature, young mature, and adults. Calculated values of lethal concentrations (LC50 and LC90) showed that both nicotinanilide and niclosamide as toxic against eggs, immature, and adults. The young mature stage of the snails was comparatively more tolerant to both molluscicides than the other stages. The toxicity of the intermediate compounds of nicotinanilide against the young mature stage of the snails showed them as ineffective. The mortality pattern of the snails exposed to LC90 concentration of these molluscicides showed niclosamide to kill faster (within 8 to 9 h) than nicotinanilide (26 to 28 h). In view of the above studies it may be concluded that both molluscicides are toxic against all the stages of the L. luteola snails.     

Review article number 6 : Plant molluscicides

A review on the application of plant molluscicides in the control of schistosomiasis is presented. Laboratory bioassays are discussed, together with criteria for activity. An attempt has been made to provide a comprehensive list of known molluscicidal natural products.     

The Influence of Mucus Production by the Slug,Deroceras reticulatum,on Predation by Pterostichus madidus and Nebria brevicollis (Coleoptera: Carabidae)

Slugs are important pests in many agricultural crops and potential biological control agents are being studied as an alternative to molluscicides. Carabid beetles may be able to reduce slug populations, but the defence mucus of slugs may deter some predator attacks. Interactions between the carabids Pterostichus madidus (Fabricius) and Nebria brevicollis (Fabricius) with healthy and 'stressed' (unable to produce defence mucus) Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) were investigated in laboratory conditions. Both beetle species consumed significantly more stressed slugs than controls. Defence mucus production by control slugs hampered beetle attacks. These generalist beetle species did not direct their attacks at vulnerable parts of the prey as equal numbers of contacts were made on the slug head, mantle and tail. Blowfly ( Calliphora sp.) larvae are readily consumed by P. madidus and N. brevicollis . Calliphora larvae coated in slug defence mucus were less acceptable to both beetle species compared with control larvae. Results indicate that these generalist beetle species are unable to overcome the defence mucus production of healthy slugs. Slugs sub-lethally poisoned by molluscicides may be a more suitable prey item due to a reduction in defence mucus production.     

Spatial sampling to detect slug abundance in an arable field

Overuse of molluscicides by farmers in arable systems can lead to environmental and product contamination. Here we assess a simple and inexpensive surface trapping method for monitoring populations of slugs (Deroceras reticulatum and Arion intermedius). This method was biased against small slugs, and against A. intermedius, when compared to direct soil sampling. Regression was used to model the relationship between the results of surface trapping and soil sampling methods. Spatial Analysis by Distance IndicEs (SADIE) algorithms were used to describe the spatial relationships between the two sets of samples. Using both traditional statistical methods and spatial statistics, the spatial information collected from surface traps was sufficient to identify patches and gaps in slug numbers and possibly to allow the spot application of slug control, and thus provide land managers who experience slug damage with a way of reducing molluscicides use, whilst maintaining slug control. Further improvements and applications of the model are discussed.     

Control of Schistosoma mansoni transmission: Strategy for using molluscicides on St. Lucia

Control of Schistosoma mansoni transmission: strategy for using molluscicides on St. Lucia. International Journal for Parasitology 3: 795–801. A simplified model, based on previous field studies, is described to summarize the transmission of Schistosoma mansoni on the West Indian Island of St. Lucia by the snail Biomphalaria glabrata. Snail populations in static habitats play little part in transmission but form a reservoir of snails which invade flowing habitats in the dry season. These flowing habitat populations account for most of the transmission: preventing their establishment should greatly reduce transmission. The reasons why a single molluscicide treatment of the static habitat populations is unlikely to achieve this result are discussed and an alternative, practical strategy is suggested. An initial intensive mollusciciding followed by surveillance, coupled with focal mollusciciding of surviving snail colonies, should suppress the static habitat populations sufficiently to prevent the invasion of the flowing habitats. This practical strategy should have a reasonable chance of reducing S. mansoni transmission judging by the results of similar control schemes using molluscicides.     

夹竹桃皂甙对福寿螺的毒杀效果及其对水稻幼苗的影响

室内条件下研究了夹竹桃皂甙对福寿螺的杀灭效果及其对水稻幼苗的影响。结果表明,福寿螺的致死率随着皂甙浓度的增加和处理时间的延长而显著上升,其中50mg/L 浓度皂甙处理48h的致死率达100%,与0.156g/L氯硝柳胺水溶液的灭螺效果相当。皂甙对福寿螺的杀灭效果与福寿螺的大小有关。皂甙对壳高h＜10 mm的福寿螺的杀螺效果最好, 而对20≤h<30 mm的杀螺效果最差。水稻幼苗的存活率随着皂甙浓度的增加而显著增加,且低浓度皂甙处理24h也具有较高的值。此外,采用水培方法研究了皂甙对水稻幼苗鲜重的影响。高浓度(≥40 mg/L)的皂甙处理7d显著地抑制了水稻幼苗根部和地上部分的鲜重,其中对根部的影响大于地上部分。当处理时间延长到14d时,皂甙对水稻幼苗鲜重的抑制作用逐渐减弱,仅50mg/L 皂甙处理对根部鲜重有显著地抑制。而在氯硝柳胺水溶液处理下,水稻幼苗停止生长。综合结果表明夹竹桃皂甙是一种环境友好且能高效防治福寿螺的灭螺剂。     

Assessment of the molluscicidal activities of Tribromosalan, Cartap and Chlorothalonil against Oncomelania hupensis.

Molluscicidal activities of Tribromosalan, Cartap and Chlorothalonil were evaluated in the laboratory and the field against Oncomelania hupensis, the intermediate host of Schistosoma japonicum in China. The three chemicals were very effective against O. hupensis in the laboratory. The molluscicidal activities found in the field trials suggest that Tribromosalan and Cartap may be used as practical molluscicides. Dosage of 10 g/m2 of Tribromosalan in spring only and 20 g/m2 of Cartap in both spring and autumn would be recommendable as practical mollusciciding doses for the control of O. hupensis.     

Biological methods for the control of freshwater snails

As a result of the advent of new drugs and diagnostic techniques, the emphasis in the control of schistosomiasis has changed from snail control to chemotherapy for infected individuals. However, chemotherapy does not prevent reinfection and there remains a need to reduce snail densities in human water supplies. In the past, treatment with molluscicides has proved ineffective, expensive and has had environmental drawbacks. Here, Henry Madsen describes research into alternative methods of snail control. As yet, little is known of the predators and parasites of schistosome intermediate hosts, but such agents could be suitable as biocontrol agents. To date, the most promising results have been obtained from experimental introductions of competitive snail species, but this strategy still has its drawbacks under many environmental conditions and the development of a universal method of biological control for the intermediate hosts of schistosomes is still a long way off.     

Interrelationship of molluscicidal concentration and temperature on the respiration of Bulinus truncatus

The oxygen consumption of Bulinus truncatus subjected to two molluscicides was tested at different temperatures and different concentrations. The most effective combination for field application was discussed.     

Snail control strategies for reduction of schistosomiasis transmission

As intermediate hosts, molluscs play a major role in the transmission of schistosomes; they are the sites of an intense multiplication of parasites. Thus, snail control strategies are considered a priority for the reduction of schistosomiasis transmission. Here, Vinca Lardans and Colette Dissous review the efficacy of environmental management and the use of molluscicides and biological agents to control snail populations. They then describe the development of diagnostic tests, based on the detection of parasite antigens or specific parasite DNA sequences in snail tissues, to detect the early infection of snails. Finally, they discuss progress in studying the molecular basis of susceptibility and resistance phenotypes, and the possible application of the genetic manipulation of molluscs.     

Molluscicidal properties of some species of Annona.

In search for plant molluscicides for the vector control of schistosomiasis, ethanolic extracts from different parts of six species of the Annonaceae family were evaluated against adult forms and egg masses of Biomphalaria glabrata. Results from accurate experiments indicate that the majority of analyzed extracts possess properties lethal to Biomphalaria glabrata, some of them with significant LD90 values (< 20 ppm), as showed for Annona crassiflora M: [pulp and seed (LD50 = 13.21), steem (2.34), root bark (3.79)], Annona glabra L. [seed (17.02)], Annona muricata [leaf (8.75)]. Emphasis is held mainly into Annona muricata L. (leaf) and Annona squamosa Veil. (root) for presenting additional toxicity toward snail egg masses.     

Caffeine as a novel toxicant for slugs and snails

In this study, caffeine is shown to act as both a repellent and toxicant against slugs and snails. This research is the first to document the potential of caffeine as a molluscicide. A drench treatment using a 1% or 2% solution of caffeine caused 100% of slugs (Veronicella cubensis) to exit treated soil, and the majority of these slugs subsequently died from caffeine poisoning. A 2% solution of caffeine applied to the growing medium of orchids killed 95% of orchid snails, (Zonitoides arboreus), and gave better control than a liquid metaldehyde product representing the standard commercial control for this pest. Using leaf‐dip bioassays, we discovered that slugs tended to avoid feeding on plant material treated with caffeine solutions 0.1%, and caffeine solutions as low as 0.01% significantly reduced overall feeding by slugs. Due to concerns about chemical residues, available molluscicides generally cannot be applied directly to food crops for control of slug and snail pests. Caffeine is a natural product which is approved as a food additive. Therefore, caffeine may prove useful for protecting food crops from slugs and snails.     

Effects of metaldehyde and methiocarb on feeding preferences and survival of a slug predator (Pterostichus melanarius (F.): Carabidae,Pterostichini)

The potential for reducing slug populations in crops through predation by generalist carabid beetles is well documented. However, few studies have considered interactions between biological and chemical control agents of slugs. Laboratory assays supported previous findings that the consumption of metaldehyde by slugs (Deroceras reticulatum) leads to increased duration of feeding bouts by carabid beetles (such as Pterostichini) on sub‐lethally affected individuals. However, a similar effect was not found for Pterostichus melanarius exposed to slugs fed on the other widely applied pelleted molluscicide formulation (methiocarb). Examination of beetle survival after consumption of slugs containing molluscicides demonstrated the strong biocidal properties of methiocarb, whereas metaldehyde consumption (ingested through slug predation) did not differ from control slugs killed by freezing. Beetle avoidance of slugs containing a more toxic molluscicide compound and the interaction between slug mucus production and beetle attack rates are discussed.     

Differential susceptibility of species of slugs to metaldehyde/bran and to methiocarb baits

Summary Laboratory experiments were designed to study differential susceptibility of nine species of slugs to metaldehyde/bran and to methiocarb baits. Differential susceptibility was found between some of the species for each type of bait, both immediately after baiting and also after a 48 h recovery period. Thus neither type of bait is suitable for use in ecological investigations. This conclusion was supported by evidence that interspecific behavioural interactions occurred when metaldehyde, but not methiocarb, baits were used.At the same time the relative efficiency of the two types of baits as molluscicides was estimated. Methiocarb was shown to be a better molluscicide because, not only did it initially poison more slugs than did metaldehyde, but also a number of the slugs initially poisoned by metaldehyde recovered during the following 48 h period, whereas this did not happen with methiocarb. The similarity between these results and those obtained from field experiments by other workers is discussed.     

Feeding behaviour and mortality of the slug, Deroceras reticulatum in relation to control with molluscicidal baits containing various combinations of metaldehyde with methiocarb

In terms of control of slug pests, the differing modes of action of the two molluscicides metaldehyde and methiocarb appear to provide some advantages for the former during warm, dry weather and for the latter during cool, wet weather. With a view to exploiting these different modes of action, the feeding behaviour of Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) presented with molluscicidal baits containing various combinations of metaldehyde with methiocarb was investigated. Voluntary feeding trials conducted in the laboratory with both candidate and standard treatments (containing metaldehyde or methiocarb alone) are described. By combining the two active ingredients in certain ratios the total concentration of active ingredients may be reduced without adversely affecting the efficacy of a bait formulation in terms of slug mortality.     

Histopathological Changes in Tissues of Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos Incubated in Crude Extracts of Camellia Seed and Mangosteen Pericarp

The present study was performed to observe histopathological changes in tissues of Bithynia siamensis goniomphalos (Gastropoda, Bithyniidae) incubated in crude extract solutions of camellia (Camellia oleifera) seed and mangosteen (Garcinia mangostana) pericarp, and furthermore to estimate the molluscicidal effects of 2 plant substances. Substantial numbers of bithyniid snails were incubated in various concentrations of 2 plant solution for 24 hr. As the positive control, snails incubated in various concentrations of niclosamide, a chemical molluscicide, were used. The histopathological findings were observed in sectioned snail specimens of each experimental and control groups. The results showed that both camellia and mangosteen extracts had molluscicidal effects at 24 hr with 50% lethal concentration (LC₅₀) at concentrations of 0.003 and 0.002 g/ml, respectively, while niclosamide had LC₅₀ at concentrations 0.599 ppm. B. siamensis goniomphalos snail tissues (foot, gill, and digestive system) showed disruption of columnar muscle fibers of the foot, reduction of the length and number of gill cilia, numerous mucous vacuoles, and irregularly shaped of epithelial cells. Irregular apical and calciferous cells, dilatation of the digestive gland tubule, and large hemolymphatic spaces, and irregular apical surfaces, detachment of cilia, and enlargement of lysosomal vacuoles of epidermis were also shown in all groups. By the present study, it is confirmed that 2 plants, camellia and mangosteen, are keeping some substance having molluscicidal effects, and histopathological findings obtained in this study will provide some clues in further studies on their action mechanisms to use them as natural molluscicides.     

Slug foraging behaviour: Attraction to food items from a distance

Slug foraging paths recorded using time lapse video techniques under infra-red light were fitted to a correlated random walk model. Analyses were carried out on slugs in arenas where no food was present, as well as those containing commercial molluscicides at two rates of application. Slugs were found to search randomly in empty arenas and those containing commercial metaldehyde baits, but deviated from random search patterns when in the presence of commercial methiocarb bait. Differential attraction from a distance is suggested as a cause of these differences.     

Effects of 45 insecticides,acaricides and molluscicides on the rove beetleAleochara bilineata (Col.: Staphylinidae) in the laboratory

Effects of 45 insecticides, acaricides and molluscicides on adult females of the rove beetleAleochara bilineata were investigated in the laboratory. The pesticides were tested in concentrations equivalent to the highest recommended dosages for practical use. Mortality, egg production and hatch of the eggs were measured. The reproducibility of the test and the suitability of the strain ofA. bilineata used are discussed. The toxicity of the cholinesterase inhibitors tested was varying, but in general high. Only pirimicarb and acephate showed low toxicity. The pyrethroids tested were highly toxic, even though fluvalinate allowed a few eggs to be laid. The test did not give conclusive results for insect growth regulators. The ecological relevance of laboratory results is discussed, and it is concluded that only for pesticides with no or low toxicity can the results be used for prediction of effects in the field.     

Predation by the carabid beetles Pterostichus madidus and Nebria brevicollis is affected by size and condition of the prey slug Deroceras reticulatum

1 Slugs are important pests in many agricultural crops but molluscicides commonly used to control slugs affect non‐target organisms. Encouraging biological control may help to reduce molluscicide use, but the efficiency of potential natural enemies needs to be investigated. 2 Serological tests have shown that certain carabid species consume slugs. These techniques, however, do not distinguish between scavenging and true predation, nor do they provide information on the size or other characteristics of the prey consumed. The study reported here was undertaken to establish whether scavenging of dead slugs might be an important factor contributing to positive serological test results. 3 Both Pterostichus madidus (Fabricius) and Nebria brevicollis (Fabricius) consumed Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) under laboratory conditions. Dead slugs were scavenged in preference to injured or healthy slugs. 4 Only small, live slugs (< 0.11 g) were killed by both beetle species, which may, therefore, be incapable of killing larger slugs. 5 These generalist beetle species appeared unable to overcome the defence mucus produced by slugs. The data suggest that positive serological results from field collected beetles may reflect scavenging rather than predation on live or injured slugs.