Jatropha versus golden apple snail

Jatropha, the plant now touted as potential source of biofuel, has been found to be viable in controlling the destructive golden apple snail.

Attesting to this are the results of a study done by researchers Aida Solsoloy, Florendo Calamaan, and Lilibeth Paraoan of the DA-Cotton Development Autority (CODA).

The researchers reported the initial results of their study in a paper titled "Molluscicidal Action of Jatropha Biopesticide on Golden Snail, Pomacea sp. Infesting Lowland Rice" which they presented at the recent DA-BAR-organized 18th National Research Symposium.

"Development and field evaluation of the Jatropha curcas biopesticide at 150 milliliters per 16 liters water showed a comparable effect with the molluscicide, niclosamide, and handpicking methods in regard to reduction in plant damage caused by Pomacoa sp.," the researchers reported.

They added that the biopesticide prevented egg deposition of the golden snail on the rice paddy at a rate better than daily handpicking but relatively lower degree than the chemical check. – Rudy A. Fernandez