Pomacea canaliculata Pest and Disease Control Methods and Key Technical Points

Pomacea canaliculata, a mollusk of the genus Pomacea in the family Ampullariidae, looks extremely similar to Pomacea canaliculata, with a large body, broad feeding habits, strong adaptability, fast growth and reproduction, and high yield.

Morphological characteristics of Pomacea canaliculata:

Large body, each 100-150 g, the largest individual can reach more than 250 g. It is known as the giant Pomacea canaliculata. The shell of Pomacea canaliculata is thin and the meat is abundant; the edible portion accounts for 48% of the snail's body weight, making it both a delicious dish and a high-protein feed. Pomacea canaliculata is similar to Pomacea canaliculata, but there are differences in shape, color, and size. The shell color of Pomacea canaliculata is lighter than that of ordinary Pomacea canaliculata, being yellowish-brown, while Pomacea canaliculata is greenish-brown; the spire tail of Pomacea canaliculata is long and pointed, while the spire tail of Pomacea canaliculata is flat and short; the operculum of Pomacea canaliculata is relatively round, while the operculum of Pomacea canaliculata is rather flat.

Living habits Pomacea canaliculata likes to live in fresh water with clean water quality and sufficient bait, mostly gathering in shallow water areas at the edge of ponds, or attaching to the stems and leaves of aquatic plants, or floating on the water surface, and can live briefly out of water. The most suitable water temperature for growth is 25-32°C; above 35°C the growth rate decreases markedly; the highest critical survival water temperature is 45°C, and the lowest critical water temperature is 5°C. In the vast areas south of the Yangtze River, Pomacea canaliculata can overwinter naturally. Diseases and insect pests of Pomacea canaliculata have so far been found relatively rarely, and there are not many reports either. But here are a few suggestions for reference: 1) The suitable living temperature for culturing Pomacea canaliculata is 10-40°C, with the optimum 20-28°C; above 40°C it will die, and below 10°C it enters a dormant state. Note that in summer high temperatures must be prevented, because rice field water is shallow, and in summer the water temperature may reach the upper lethal limit; while for overwintering in winter, the organic matter content of the mud bottom should not be too high, otherwise it is easy to produce toxic substances that affect the overwintering of Pomacea canaliculata.

2) Pomacea canaliculata is relatively sensitive to the amount of dissolved oxygen in water. Normal living requires dissolved oxygen in water above 4 mg per liter; when it drops to 3.5 mg, appetite will decline, and when it drops to 1.5 mg, it will cause death.

3) The breeding season of Pomacea canaliculata is June-July (in places with suitable conditions, it will also lay eggs once in autumn). If you plan to breed them yourself, it is best not to raise carp in the rice fields where Pomacea canaliculata is raised, otherwise the young Pomacea canaliculata will be eaten by the carp.

4) The use of pesticides in rice fields should be avoided as much as possible or minimized; even if used, low-toxicity pesticides should be used, and they should be applied on sunny days; it is best to apply them in half of the rice field at a time.

5) During the peak growth season, organic fertilizer can be used regularly; the principle is small amounts and multiple applications, and it is not advisable to apply too much fertilizer at one time.

6) During the breeding process, it is best to have a certain micro-flowing water environment to ensure dissolved oxygen in the water, but attention must be paid to the water source; do not use a water source containing pesticides.

7) Consider mixed culture of Pomacea canaliculata with leeches, loaches, rice field eels, etc., for better economic benefits.