Golden Apple Snails: Invasive Species

• The golden apple snail (Pomacea canaliculata) is an invasive species that severely damages rice fields in Asia.
• The Philippines experiences over $1 billion in annual losses due to golden apple snails.
• Farmers struggle to control golden apple snail infestations because of their rapid breeding and adaptability.
• Climate change, global trade, and poor pest management contribute to the rapid spread of golden apple snails.
• Rice plants damaged by golden apple snails are more susceptible to diseases and other pests.
• Mucus secreted by golden apple snails reduces the effectiveness of herbicides.
• Golden apple snail feeding patterns disrupt ecosystem balance by interfering with nutrient cycles and promoting algae growth.
• Research is needed to understand the phytochemical responses of rice plants to mechanical wound stress induced by golden apple snail feeding.
• Neem leaves contain bioactive compounds, especially azadirachtin, which affects golden apple snails.
• Azadirachtin deters golden apple snails from consuming crops and disrupts their growth and development.
• Azadirachtin exhibits neurotoxic effects by inhibiting acetylcholinesterase, an enzyme crucial for nerve function.
• Limonoids like nimbin, nimbidin, and gedunin contribute to the molluscicidal properties of neem.
• Neem extract leads to reduced feeding, impaired growth, and increased mortality in golden apple snails through a combination of mechanisms.
• Snail infestations reduce crop yields by about 30-50%.
• Biological control methods and integrated pest management strategies show promise in controlling snail infestations.
• Neem extract demonstrates molluscicidal effects.
• More studies are needed to understand snail ecology, develop management strategies, and lessen economic losses.
• The study aims to determine the molluscicidal effect of neem extract on golden apple snails to protect rice (Oriza sativa).
• Initial golden apple snail infestations weaken rice plants and make them susceptible to disease, leading to reduced yields and lower quality crops.
• The snails' high adaptability to different environments and quick reproduction rates make them a difficult pest to control.
• Ecosystem imbalances caused by golden apple snails can lead to food shortages, price increases, and economic instability.
• Integrated pest management strategies combining physical, cultural, and biological controls are needed to manage golden apple snail populations.
• Raising awareness about the risks of golden apple snail infestation is crucial in preventing its spread and minimizing its impact.

Study Objectives

• Determine the average ratio of neem leaves extract and distilled water needed to repel golden apple snails.
• Determine the significant difference of neem leaves extract on golden apple snail population decrease compared to Savewell Snailkil 6% Pellet and Vast Niclomax 70WP.

Methodology

• The experiment uses a True Experimental design to assess the molluscicidal activity of neem extract against golden apple snails in rice.
• Treatments are randomly assigned with varying concentrations and a control group.
• There are 5 replicates per treatment group.
• The neem extract concentrations are 30%, 40%, and 50%.
• Control groups include positive and negative groups both treated with distilled water.
• The independent variable is the concentration of neem extract.
• The dependent variable is the effect on golden apple snail.

Treatments

• Treatment A: 30% Neem Leaves Extract, 70% Water.
• Treatment B: 40% Neem Leaves Extract, 60% Distilled Water.
• Treatment C: 50% Neem Leaves Extract, 50% Distilled Water.
• Treatment D: Savewell Snailkil 6% Pellet (positive control group).
• Treatment E: Vast Niclomax 70 WP (negative control group).

Materials and Equipment

• Fresh neem leaves, water, and ethanol are required materials.
• Equipment includes an air dryer, grinder or mortar and pestle, a large container or bucket, a cheesecloth or clean cloth, measuring cups and spoons, and utensils.

Procedures

• Collect fresh neem leaves.
• Clean and sanitize all utensils and equipment.
• Dry the neem leaves using an air dryer.
• Grind the dried neem leaves into a fine powder.
• Soak the ground neem leaves in water for 3 days.
• Strain the solution through a clean cloth to separate the liquid extract from the solids.
• Dilute the neem extract with water if desired.
• The neem extract is now ready to control golden apple snails.

Data Analysis

• The effectiveness of neem leaves extract in repelling golden apple snails is compared to distilled water and commercial molluscicides.
• Data is gathered by measuring the number of snails repelled and their decrease in population across different treatments.
• Neem extract showed a significant repelling effect.
• Statistical analysis, such as ANOVA or t-tests, is used.
• Neem extract affects snail movement and feeding behavior, leading to lower damage in rice plants.
• Neem extract is a viable natural alternative to synthetic molluscicides.
• Creating neem extract involves collecting and drying neem leaves, grinding them into a powder, and soaking the powder in water.
• The effectiveness of neem extract is influenced by concentration, soaking duration, and method of application.
• Use a higher concentration of neem extract, soak the powder for an extended duration, and apply the extract through a spraying or sprinkling method.

Recommended Lab Materials

• Gloves
• Goggles
• Laboratory coat
• Air Dryer
• Spray bottles
• Grinder
• 1-Liter Beaker

Ethical Considerations

• Personnel must spend a minimum of 5-6 hours in the laboratory to ensure that all necessary protocols are followed.
• During the period, personnel will be responsible for executing the production process, monitoring progress, and making any necessary adjustments.
• The 5-6 hour timeframe provides ample opportunity for personnel to work methodically, ensuring that every step of the process is completed correctly.
• Extended laboratory time enables personnel to conduct thorough quality control checks, verifying that the final product meets the required specifications.