Development of Molluscicidal Potency in the Short and Long Staminate Racemes of Phytolacca dodecandra

Abstract

Phytolacca dodecandra l'Hérit, is indigenous to tropical and South Africa. In Ethiopia the berries of this plant are used as a substitute for soap. Discovery of its molluscicidal property took place in 1964. The dimorphic plants produce either long or short staminate flowers, which are situated on racemes. The short staminate flowers produce berries, which are molluscicidal. The unripe stage of the berries is the most appropriate stage at which to harvest them. At that time they have the strongest mollucicidal activity. Some varieties however, posses high killing properties at their overripe stage. It was observed that molluscicidal and haemolytic activity of all the samples runs parallel.