INFLUENCE OF WORM DENSITY ON GROWTH AND COCOON PRODUCTION OF THE ASIATIC EARTHWORM PERIONYX-EXCAVATUS (OLIGOCHAETA, MEGASCOLECIDAE)

Laboratory studies were undertaken to determine the influence of worm density on growth and cocoon production of Perionyx excavatus, the asi atic compost worm. Worms were kept at 25-degrees-C in cattle manure at a moisture content of 80%. The results showed that worms at higher de nsities were smaller and tend to produce fewer cocoons than worms at l ower densities in spite of the fact that ample food was available. It is concluded that vermiculturists should prevent crowded conditions in worm beds by regular harvesting in order to maintain maximum growth a nd reproduction.