Question

Earthworms used for Vermicomposting is/are

A. Eisenia foetida

B. Lumbricus rubellus

C. Caenorhabditis elegans

D. Platyhelminthes

Choose the correct answer from the options given below:

1. Only A
2. Only A and B
3. Only A, B and C
4. A, B, C and D
5.

Answer 1

Correct Answer - Option 2 : Only A and B

The correct answer is Only A and B.

• Eisenia foetida and Lumbricus rubellus worms are commonly used to produce vermicompost.

• Vermicompost, or castings, is worm manure. Worm castings are considered by many in horticulture to be one of the best soil amendments available.
• Most worm farms raise two main types of earthworms: Eisenia foetida and Lumbricus rubellus.
• These two species are often raised together and are difficult to tell apart.
• These worms are commonly used to produce vermicompost, as well as for fish bait. 
• The nutrient content of castings depends on the material fed to the worms and worms commonly feed on highly nutritious materials, such as food waste and manures.
• Worm castings provide a variety of nutrients that help to promote plant growth and in a form readily available for plant uptake.

• Platyhelminthes (Flatworms):
  • These are dorsoventrally flattened and, hence, commonly known as flatworms. These are mostly parasites.
  • These are triploblastic and unsegmented animals exhibiting bilateral symmetry.
  • They are hermaphrodites or bisexual i.e. both male and female sex cells are produced by the same individual.
  • Examples: Taenia (Tapeworm), Fasciola (Liver Fluke), Schistosoma (Blood Fluke), etc.