A Novel Gelatin-Based Sustained-Release Molluscicide for Control of the Invasive Agricultural Pest and Disease Vector Pomacea canaliculata

Abstract

Pomacea canaliculata, one of the 100 most destructive invasive species in the world, and it is an important intermediate host of Angiostrongylus cantonensis. The molluscicides in current use are an effective method for controlling snails. However, most molluscicides have no slow-release effect and are toxic to nontarget organisms. Thus, these molluscicides cannot be used on a large scale to effectively act on snails. In this study, gelatin, a safe and nontoxic substance, was combined with sustained-release molluscicide and was found to reduce the toxicity of niclosamide to nontarget organisms. We assessed the effects of gelatin and molluscicide in controlling P. canaliculata snails and eggs. The results demonstrated that the niclosamide retention time with 1.0% and 1.5% gelatin sustained-release agents reached 20 days. Additionally, the mortality rate of P. canaliculata and their eggs increased as the concentration of the niclosamide sustained-release agents increased. The adult mortality rate of P. canaliculata reached 50% after the snails were exposed to gelatin with 0.1 mg/L niclosamide for 48 h. The hatching rate of P. canaliculata was only 28.5% of the normal group after the treatment was applied. The sustained-release molluscicide at this concentration was less toxic to zebrafish, which means that this molluscicide can increase the safety of niclosamide to control P. canaliculata in aquatic environments. In this study, we explored the safety of using niclosamide sustained-release agents with gelatin against P. canaliculata. The results suggest that gelatin is an ideal sustained-release agent that can provide a foundation for subsequent improvements in control of P. canaliculata.

Effect of Metaldehyde on Survival, Enzyme Activities, and Histopathology of the Apple Snail Pomacea canaliculata (Lamarck 1822)

“…Because Pomacea snails are highly adaptable and tolerant, they have established populations in 16 provinces and regions of China and are expected to spread further north [ 12 ]. Molluscicides are the highly effective and widely used method to control snail [ 13 ]. Metaldehyde, the main active ingredient in molluscicides, is used worldwide to control most slugs and snails [ 14 ].…”

Characterisation of Pomacea Canaliculata Eggs Treated With Protease

“…Therefore, managing their hatchability is essential to prevent population expansion. Water spraying, egg submersion, plant extracts, enzymes, physical collection, regulating temperature and light, and sustained release of niclosamide-gelatine are some of the techniques used to manage the hatching [2][3][4][5][6]. Control through its eggs is easier than control of the snail itself due to ease of locating eggs based on their bright red colour, fragility at this stage, and immobility.…”