Resumen

HERNANDEZ, J.A. et al. Effect of industrial wastes of the oil palm on growth and reproduction phases of earthworm, Eisenia Andre. Rev. Fac. Agron. [online]. 2006, vol.23, n.3, pp.319-330. ISSN 0378-7818.

Eleven mixtures of oil palms industrial wastes were prepared: peels (C) and fiber (F), with cattle manure (EB) in proportions of 0, 20, 40, 60, 80 and 100%. 100% EB was used as a control. The aim of the research was to evaluate the effect of these substrates on the growth and the reproduction of the earthworm. Ten earthworms were used (51.0 ± 2.23 mg) per container of 750cc, containing 100 g of the mix in dry base. For 10 days the biomass was registered weekly plus the life's phase: Juvenile, Prechiltelleate, clitelleate and in regression, the total number of capsules/container, capsule's weight, the hatch percentage and the number of earthworms per capsule. A completely randomized design was used with four replications. Passed the fourth week clitelleate earthworms were observed. All earthworms gained weight in all mixtures until week number six. Statistical differences were found among the effects of the different substrates used, concluding that based on the analyzed variables, the best results correspond to the mixtures with fiber, that allows that the earthworms completes its life's cycle showing a good reproductive behavior. The best proportion of the mix was 60% F: 40% EB, registering the best percentage of clitelleate earthworms, 84%.

Palabras clave : Elaeis guineensis; Eisenia andrei; wastes.