Introduction of the golden snail and escalation of its infestation of Philippine ricelands
1991
Edra, R. (International Aquaculture Consultants, Don Tim Bldg., Makati, Metro Manila (Philippines))
The golden snail reportedly originated in the Amazon River basin in South America. From Argentina and Brazil, it became established in Florida, USA and from there, it was extensively propagated and exported to other States and to Europe and Asia. In 1980, the Bio Research Potshop Inc. brought to the Philippines from Florida two species of golden snail, crossbred these and produced a fast growing stock. In 1984, batch of breeders from Taiwan was introduced by the Philippine Escargot Producers and Marketing Associated Inc. (PEPMA). PEPMA planned to market snail-breeding and grownout technology packages. Private entrepreneurs, public agencies, and farm organizations completed in promoting and selling their production systems as well as marketing schemes. Snail production expanded very rapidly because the seed stock and tested technologies for mass production and easy harvesting of acceptable and saleable snails were all available. Snail transfers increased tremendously. Snails were purposely stocked in new waters, released from ponds or escaped from the rearing facilities of aquaculturists and aquarium hobbyists. In rivers, streams, and irrigation systems, the golden snail turned into a dreadful pest. In 1986, farmers in northwestern Luzon, Philippines, were the first to express alarm over the invasion by the golden snail in ricefields with newly transplanted rice plants.
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