Achatina (Achatinidae)

Affected crops: Achatina snails are indiscriminate feeders with a vast host range. They target a variety of vegetables, including leafy greens, crucifers, and fruit-bearing plants. They are particularly destructive to seedlings, young succulent stems, and the tender bark of trees, which can stunt plant growth or lead to total crop failure.

Biology and life cycle: These snails are hermaphroditic, allowing for a rapid increase in population density under favorable conditions. They deposit clusters of eggs in moist soil substrates. Once hatched, the juveniles begin feeding immediately, and their high survival rate contributes to the persistent nature of infestations, especially in controlled environments like greenhouses.

• Extensive skeletonization of leaves, leaving only veins behind.
• Stunted growth due to the damage to the apical buds and young shoots.
• Presence of mucus trails and feces, which act as substrates for opportunistic pathogens.
• Destruction of fruit tissues, rendering the harvest unmarketable and prone to rotting.

Protection measures: Management of Achatina snails relies on cultural practices and chemical control. Physical barriers such as copper tape or crushed eggshells can deter them. In commercial settings, molluscicides containing metaldehyde are effective. Sanitation, specifically the removal of debris and excessive ground cover, is essential to deprive them of their daytime hiding spots and reduce humidity levels.