Regional expansion and chemical control for invasive apple snails (Pomacea maculata) in Louisiana rice and crawfish production systems

Document Type

Article

Publication Date

2-1-2023

Abstract

Invasive apple snails, Pomacea maculata, have recently emerged as pests in the rice (Oryza sativa L.) and crawfish (Procambarus clarkii) production systems of southwest Louisiana. Their current distribution, expansion rates, and susceptibility to chemical control methods in these systems are not well known. This study examines the expansion of P. maculata in southwest Louisiana and evaluates chemical control via toxicity assays. The effects of chemical control were also assessed on the non-target species, Pr. clarkii. Westward expansion of P. maculata was recorded at ≈2 km per year and a northward expansion at a rate of ≈4 km per year with most new detections recorded south of established populations. P. maculata had a lower probability of being found in aquatic habitats with decreasing levels of dissolved oxygen. All concentrations of both liquid and crystal copper sulfate caused appreciable P. maculata mortality after 72 h, but control was inconsistent across treatments. Treatment with copper sulfate had no significant effect on Pr. clarkii mortality. Treatment of P. maculata egg masses with 5% and 10% crop oil solutions reduced the number of hatchlings by approximately 80% relative to non-treated controls. Future studies should attempt to find new factors associated with P. maculata occurrence in southwest Louisiana. More research should be conducted on the levels of copper sulfate that are ingested by P. maculata after initial exposure as well as new methods for crop oil applications on P. maculata egg masses.

Publication Source (Journal or Book title)

Crop Protection

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