Seasonal incidence and population dynamics of giant African snail, Achatina fulica bowdich on mulberry

Abstract

A study on seasonal incidence of giant African snail (Achatina fulica Bowdich) on mulberry and the influence of weather parameters on it was carried out at H. Kodihalli village of Mandya district and Hoovinahallikavalu village of Hassan district of Karnataka from September, 2016 to February, 2017 during which the pest incidence usually occurs. The study revealed a gradual increase of snail population from September, 2016 to November, 2016, thereafter a gradual decrease was observed in both the locations. At H. Kodihalli village maximum snail population was recorded during fourth week of November, 2017 (103.22 snails/10 m2) and minimum during fourth week of February, 2017 (2.25 snails/10m2) which showed significant positive correlation with minimum temperature (r=0.46) and rainfall (r=0.54). At Hoovinahallikavalu village maximum snail population was recorded during second week of October 2016 (115.67 snails/10 m2) and minimum during second week of February, 2017 (2.37 snails/10m2) and it showed significant positive correlation with minimum temperature (r=0.52) and rainfall (r=0.56).