Allocation and survey dynamics of Monacha cartusiana (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) terrestrial snail at Fayoum Governorate cultivations

Abstract

A field allocation and survey for Monacha cartusiana (O. F. Müller) (Gastropoda: Hygromiidae) terrestrial snail was done at Fayoum governorate in three districts of Zawyt-Alkradesa, Talat village, and Nazlat AlHarrishi during the two growing seasons of 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 on different crops and vegetables cultivated in the mentioned districts. Results revealed that only one species of terrestrial snail, M. cartusiana, showed a varied allocation range in all surveyed villages. Highly dense populations of snails were found on the clover, followed by lettuce, cabbage, and wheat. While brood bean, courgette, and onion showed fewer populations and zero on garlic, the initial infestation of M. cartusiana on the clover appeared in October with a low population (1, 2 snails per quadratic sample) and (2, 2.4 snails per quadratic sample) at the beginning and mid-October months, whereas it reached its maximum on 15^th April (64.6, 75.2 snails per quadratic sample) during the two seasons. Meanwhile, the initial infestation with M. cartusiana appeared on wheat during December with a low population and reached its maximum on 15^th April (32.2, 36.2 snails per quadratic sample) during the two growing seasons. Population dynamics in M. cartusiana juveniles and adults fluctuated at a partially low population during the October and November months. Meanwhile, it gradually increased during December, January, February, and March, reaching its maximum on April 15^th for juveniles and adults. Then, the infestation had another decline during May.