Much of the $10 million the U.S. citrus industry spends annually on pest control goes toward fighting the Helix aspersa, a common orchard variety of snail. The Helix feeds indiscriminately on leaves, twigs and fruit. Up to now, the industry has relied on expensive chemical dusts and sprays; unfortunately, they must be applied almost constantly and they are only moderately effective. Last week Curtis P. Clausen of the University of California's Department of Biological Control announced plans to fight the Helix with one of its own kind: the Gonaxis kibweziensis, commonly known as the cannibal snail.
Combat Record. A native of East...
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