Survival and avoidance response of the freshwater gastropod Melanoides tuberculatus (Muller) to different concentrations of tobacco waste

Abstract

The Gastropod Melanoides tuberculatus plays a significant role in hampering fish larval production in earthen ponds. This study investigated use of tobacco waste to assess behavioural and survival responses of M. tuberculatus at different concentrations of tobacco waste solution of 0.25, 0.5, 0.75, 1.0, 1.25, 1.5, 1.75 and 2 g L _1. Mean escape time varied significantly among concentrations (P < 0.05). Escape time decreased in 1-, 2- and 3- day-old solutions. Percentage survival decreased significantly with increasing concentrations of tobacco waste solution and exposure time (P < 0.05). Concentrations of 1.75 g L _1 and 2.0 g L _1 had high hazard ratios and low survival rates of gastropods and were the most effective in eradication of M. tuberculatus, hence recommended dose for preparing ponds for stocking. We conclude that tobacco waste solution can be used for control of M. tuberculatus.