KUALA NERUS: A team of researchers from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has achieved a breakthrough by developing MeT-GAS, a biological substance aimed at eliminating the ‘gondang emas’ snails or Pomacea canaliculata species, which is a significant menace to rice crops globally.
Head researcher Associate Prof Dr. Wahizatul Afzan Azmi revealed that MeT-GAS is a fungus specifically designed to be toxic to the Pomacea canaliculata snails, presenting a potent solution that is ecologically friendly and poses no harm to the surrounding ecosystem or padi plants.
The production of MeT-GAS marks the culmination of an extensive research endeavour spanning from 2019 to 2023, she added.
“MeT-GAS is a strain of the Metarhizium anisopliae fungus, originating from soil. As a natural pathogen, it selectively targets invertebrates such as snails and insects, ensuring that it poses no threat to other living organisms.
“Therefore it is an environmentally sustainable alternative, free from the harmful impacts associated with chemical solutions,” she said when contacted, here today.
Wahizatul Afzan highlighted the simplicity and scalability of the MeT-GAS solution, emphasising its effectiveness in combating snail infestations that significantly impact domestic rice supplies.
She said that it has undergone successful laboratory testing, and the method proves to be both practical and cost-efficient when deployed on a large scale.
‘Gondang emas’ snails are not native to Malaysia, and were originally introduced into the country for human consumption and as aquarium pets, she elaborated.
“But now it has evolved into the most serious invasive alien pest species, causing significant harm to rice crops on a global scale,” she added.
Citing data from the Malaysian Department of Agriculture, she revealed that in 2022 alone, ‘gondang emas’ snail attacks led to the destruction of 2,386 hectares of padi fields across 10 states, including Terengganu.
This alarming statistic underscores the urgent need for comprehensive measures, particularly within government and agricultural agencies, to address and control the breeding of these pests, to ensure optimal rice production.
“We are aware that the government has implemented various efforts including research and development (R&D) in the production of local rice. However, this process takes a long time to bear results.
“To compound it, extreme climate change also contributes to the shortage of rice supply due to stunted growth caused by prolonged heat and continuous rain,” she said.
Hence, she emphasised that the long-term use of MeT-GAS can yield optimal harvests for padi farmers, thereby ensuring stability in market prices. — BERNAMA
