REPRODUCTION AND GROWTH OF THE EARTHWORM ALLOLOBOPHORA-CHLOROTICA (SAVINGY, 1826) IN CONTROLLED ENVIRONMENTS

Experiments assessed the production of Allolobophora chlorotica under extended, controlled conditions. These included manipulation of temper ature and of earthworm density at selected life cycle stages. Mature A . chlorotica were maintained over a 12 month period at constant temper atures of 10, 15 and 20 degrees C. Cocoon production, viability and le ngth of incubation were recorded, as were reproductive state and survi vorship of adults. Mean reproductive rate was 27.3 cocoons worm(-1) ye ar(-1) at 20 degrees C, compared with 17.8 and 9.9 at 15 and 10 degree s C respectively. Cocoon incubation took approximately 90, 51 and 40 d ays at 10, 15 and 20 degrees C respectively. Median cocoon and hatchli ng masses were recorded respectively as 7 mg and 6 mg. Hatchability of cocoons ranged from 54 to 65 %. All viable cocoons produced a single hatchling. Cocoon deposition only took place within 10 cm of the soil surface. With a feed of soil and separated cattle solids, growth to ma turity was attained within 12 and 8 weeks at 15 and 20 degrees C respe ctively corresponding to masses of 0.33 and 0.38 g. Increased hatchlin g density at 15 degrees C led to significantly (p < 0.05) reduced grow th rates and maturation and increased mortality.