title: Impact of Parthenium weeds on earthworms (Eudrilus eugeniae) during vermicomposting.
abstract: The aim of this work is to evaluate the effect of Parthenium-mediated compost on Eudrilus eugeniae during the process of vermicomposting. Nine different concentrations of Parthenium hysterophorus and cow dung mixtures were used to assess toxicity. The earthworms' growth, fecundity and antioxidant enzyme levels were analysed every 15 days. The antioxidant activities of enzymes [superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GPx)], considered as biomarkers, indicate the biochemical and oxidative stresses due to the toxin from Parthenium weeds. The earthworms' growth, biomass gain, cocoon production and antioxidant enzymes were in a low level in a high concentration of P. hysterophorus (without cow dung). The results clearly indicated that appropriate mixing of P. hysterophorus quantity is an essential factor for the survival of earthworms without causing any harm.
authors.affiliation: Department of Biotechnology, School of Life Sciences, Karpagam University, Eachanari Post, Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, 641 021, India.
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Rajiv
authors.forename: Sivaraj
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Rajeshwari
authors.forename: Venckatesh
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Rajendran
mesh_terms: D000383:Agriculture / Q000379:methods*; D000704:Analysis of Variance; D000818:Animals; D019659:Asteraceae / Q000737:chemistry*; D002374:Catalase / Q000378:metabolism; D002417:Cattle; D005260:Female; D005298:Fertility / Q000187:drug effects; D007194:India; D008372:Manure / Q000032:analysis* / Q000382:microbiology; D009835:Oligochaeta / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000201:enzymology / Q000254:growth & development; D057685:Plant Weeds / Q000737:chemistry*; D012987:Soil; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase / Q000378:metabolism
chemical_list: D008372:Manure; D012987:Soil; D002374:Catalase; D013482:Superoxide Dismutase