Pest Management Science (2007) 63, 851-859

Michael A. Nash, Linda J. Thomson and Ary A. Hoffmann (2007)
Slug control in Australian canola: monitoring, molluscicidal baits and economic thresholds
Pest Management Science 63 (9), 851-859
Abstract: Exotic slugs have become serious pests of canola, at establishment, in Southern Australian high-rainfall cropping zones. Slugs were monitored using relatively inexpensive 300 mm × 300 mm terracotta tiles acting as refuges. An investigation was made of the effects of the time of application of chelated iron baits on the slug species Deroceras reticulatum Müller and Lehmannia nyctelia Bourguignat. Baits reduced the number of surface-active slug species. A single application at sowing provided greater efficacy than one application before sowing, and efficacy was comparable with that of two applications. Canola seedling densities showed a negative response to D. reticulatum numbers; the presence of even one individual per refuge trap reduced seedling numbers below optimum densities. Thistles and other vegetation were associated with increased numbers of slugs. European guidelines for slug monitoring and damage appear to be at least partly applicable to Australian conditions.
(The abstract is excluded from the Creative Commons licence and has been copied with permission by the publisher.)
Link to article at publishers website
Database assignments for author(s): Michael A. Nash, Linda J. Thomson, Ary A. Hoffmann

Research topic(s) for pests/diseases/weeds:
control - general

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Pest and/or beneficial records:

Beneficial	Pest/Disease/Weed	Crop/Product	Country	Quarant.
	Deroceras reticulatum	Rape/canola (Brassica napus)	Australia (South+SE)
	Lehmannia nyctelia	Rape/canola (Brassica napus)	Australia (South+SE)