Molluscicidal effect of some pesticides on <i>Monacha cantiana</i> ( Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) and its injury on sugar beet plants in vitro and in vivo

Abstract

This investigation was carried out to examine the influence of four pesticides namely, Acrobat® Copper 73.2% WP, Lannate® 90% SP, Delta Star® 10% EC and Mesurol® 2% bait on the mortality of the land snail Monacha cantiana (Montagu) ( Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) and their effects on the characteristics of sugar beet plants in both in vitro and in vivo during the fall season of 2022/2023. Under the laboratory conditions (in vitro), the results revealed that Mesurol® induced the highest mortality percentage among the tested pesticides after a 72-hour exposure period, followed by Acrobat Copper®. Mesurol® also demonstrated the highest toxic effect, as indicated by its LD₅₀ and LD₉₅ values after 72 hours of exposure, along with the most favorable LT (Lethal time) values. Acrobat Copper® and Lannate® showed a moderate effect with LD₅₀ and LT values (LT₅₀ and LT₉₅). Concerning damage criteria, Mesurol® resulted in the lowest number of infested sugar beet leaves and the least leaf-eating area, leading to the lowest injury, while Acrobat Copper® and Lannate® showed a moderate effect on the number of infested leaves and leaf-eating area. In the field experiment (in vivo), Mesurol® produced the highest foliage, and roots, as well as total fresh and dry weight compared to other treatments. This trend was also observed with Acrobat Copper®, which had a similar pattern of Mesurol, but with lower values. Furthermore, using Mesurol® resulted in the highest quantities of top, root, and sugar yields, followed by Acrobat Copper®.