A laboratory study on the possible use of Helisoma duryi in the biological control of Bulinus africanus, intermediate host of Schistosoma haematobium.
In order to evaluate the possible use of Helisoma duryi as biological competitor of Bulinus africanus, life-tables were compiled for these two snail species maintained either in the presence of each other, or separately. Population parameters were calculated from these life-tables and it was found that H. duryi had a higher innate capacity of increase, net reproduction rate and growth rate as well as a longer lifespan and reproductive period than Bu. africanus. Furthermore, the biological potential of Bu. africanus was found to be adversely affected in the presence of H. duryi. It was concluded that the latter might be capable of replacing Bu. africanus in certain freshwater habitats and that field trials ought to be undertaken in South Africa.
Joubert
P H
PH
Research Institute for Diseases in a Tropical Environment, South African Medical Research Council, Nelspruit.
De Kock
K N
KN
D000818:Animals; D002033:Bulinus / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*; D004199:Disease Vectors; D010572:Pest Control, Biological; D012098:Reproduction; D012908:Snails / Q000254:growth & development / Q000502:physiology*