Early warnings to target slug control
Early warnings to target slug control
AN early warning system to alert arable farmers to high risk slug activity is being developed so molluscicides can be targeted more accurately.
The system will also show when there is a low risk of attack so baiting can be avoided and costs cut. It is based on weather data and site inspections. Further evaluation is now needed before a production version can be put to work.
"A lot of bait is used each year. But as slug activity is linked to weather and soil conditions, control is a bit hit and miss," Newcastle Universitys Gordon Port told the HDC brassica conference.
"Farmers have to guess when baiting is likely to be effective. All too frequently they get the timing wrong."
Slug infestation is patchy due to varying soil conditions and egg lay patterns. So effective control is difficult to achieve. But the slugs need for moisture is being exploited to assess the risk of damage.
"By combining the weather and soil moisture needs of slugs with a site risk assessment we can forecast when trouble is likely, and baits most effective," said Dr Port.
Tests at eight sites in the south-west used bait if and when the forecast suggested it was needed. At six sites the forecast proved more effective than the farmers normal treatments.