Biological studies on earthworm (Eisenia fetida) under Egyptian conditions

Influence and suitability of banana peel, watermelon peel and tomato fruits on the growth and reproduction of the epigeic earthworm, Eisenia fetida were studied. Also, studying the effect of rearing E. fetida in complete darkness and normal daylight and nighttime darkness on laying cocoons by earthworm. The results showed that three tested plants feedings i.e., banana peel , tomato fruits and watermelon peel were greatly differed for their effect on laying cocoons, average number of the produced earthworms in each cocoon and average weight of the mature earthworms, where watermelon peel was the superior supplement feed followed by banana peel then tomato fruits. In addition, the highest rate of cocoon laying, average number of the produced earthworms in each cocoon and average weight of the adult earthworm during the experiment ,were in the treatment in which banana peel + watermelon peel as well as banana peel + tomato fruits + watermelon peel were provided. There were great differ on laying cocoons, average number of the produced earthworms in each cocoon and average weight of the adult earthworms due to the amended plant and animal wastes. The production of cocoons and weight of one adult earthworm in the growing boxes were gradually increased by increasing the amount of the added earthworms from 50 to 250 g to each growing plastic box then they decrease to when 500 g earthworms were added to the growing boxes.