Use of metaldehyde as molluscicide in milkfish ponds

Abstract

META^R metaldehyde formulations were tested under laboratory and faild conditions againts brackishwater pond snails (certhium so.). Under laboratory conditions the LC₅₀ and LC₉₉ 3 days after treatment ranged from 2 - 3.5 and 4.8 - 5.4 kg/ha, respectively. However. these levels proved inffection when applied directly under actual pond conditions. In ponds with snail populatin of about 300/m², a higher application rate of 30 kg/ha is recommended. Application of META metaldehyde concentrations of 0 - 175 kg/ha did not affect milkfish juveniles (1 - 3g body weight) 7 days after treatment. Results suggest that META metaldehyde formulations were effective for pond snail control without detrimental effect on juvenile milkfish.