Common names: bulati, kolang (Ifugao)
Identifying marks: It is a thin, long, slimy worm with numerous similar segments on its body. These are usually red or brown in color; abundant on the rice beds and in non-flooded rice fields.
Where to find: Rice terraces in Ifugao, Abra, Kalinga, Apayao, and Benguet
Damage: These organisms tunnel in rice fields with young rice seedlings. The water in such paddies cannot be retained and thus young seedlings die owing to water shortage. Missing hills (black mounds), uneven plant height, and wilted plants are observed.
Management options
Cultural
- Deep plowing is effective when they are at very high populations.
- Construct small ponds for the river water to trap the earthworms before releasing the water to the rest of the fields.
- Place screens at the pond outlets to contain the big worms.
- Flooding the fields at 14 cm depth for 2-3 months kills the worms.
- Transplant older seedlings (45-55 days old) for better tolerance.
- Transplant seedlings rather than direct seed, as 3 weeks of seedling growth in the former can take place in a location free of earthworms.
- Planting seedlings closer to each other compensate for less tillering in older seedlings.
- Incorporating organic matter in the form of rice straw or weeds discourages their breeding.
Biological
- Ducks, chickens, and pigs feed on earthworms.
Chemical
- They are susceptible to most pesticides but considering soil as the open ecosystem, the use of pesticides will not be economical and environment-friendly.
