Propolis, bee venom and Beauveria bassiana toxicity with field application; Controlling the terrestrial gastropod Monacha cartusiana

Abstract

Land snails in general, and the glass clover snail Monacha cartusiana (M. cartusiana) in particular, are pests that cause widespread crop damage. This research paper is an attempt to find effective biological alternatives to be applied within snail control operations. Propolis and honey bee venom, as well as Biossiana (Beauveria bassiana) fungicide, were applied using two laboratory application techniques, against the glassy clover snail M. cartusiana with different concentrations under laboratory and field conditions. Propolis showed the most toxicity with (1591.2) and (813.4) ppm LC50 values, followed by B. bassiana, while bee venom had the lowest potency effect with (2476.9) and (1480.1) ppm using leaf dipping and contact methods, respectively. The field experiment showed a considerable population diminution using propolis with (43.42%), followed by B. bassiana with (34.18%), while bee venom was only (20.09%) when compared with the recommended Agrinate (62.68%).