Chemical control of the earthworm Amynthas rodericensis (Grube) in pots in nurseries

Abstract

Amynthas rodericensis (Grube), an introduced earthworm, is a pest in pots in nurseries in southern Queensland. Endosulfan emulsifiable concentrate (e.c.) at rates equivalent to 1.0, 1.9 and 9.5 kg active ingredient (a.i.)/ha reduced worm numbers in pots by 89, 96 and 100% respectively 28 days after treatment. Etridiazole e.c. at 35.0 kg a.i./ha and carbofuran granules at 11.1 kg a.i./ha reduced numbers by 52% and 45%. The following treatments (kg a.i./ha) were ineffective; aldicarb granules (11.1), benomyl wettable powder (w.p.} (6.4, 12.7, 79.6), etridiazole w.p. (35.0), fenamiphos granules (12.7, 31.8) propamocarb e.c. (35.0) and terbufos granules (12.7).