Slug Control
Slugs are a major pest of agricultural and horticultural crops which left unchecked can cause significant damage.
A number of cultural control methods are employed but when conditions are difficult and these measures are not sufficient, by far the most common crop protection product used is metaldehyde-based slug pellets. While well below levels that would affect human health, levels of metaldehyde have been detected in water above the EU drinking water standard (0.1 parts per billion for any individual pesticide) and it is almost untreatable at waterworks. As such, while offering good control, it is important to remember that slug pellets are pesticides and responsible use not only makes good business sense but is essential to safeguard the environment and the supply of clean water.
Best practice advice on the application of metaldehyde-based slug pellets - including new guidelines on reduced rates and timings - has been produced by the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group and is available here. There are also alternative slug control products not based on metaldehyde which should be considered where pellet use is necessary, these include products based on methiocarb, ferric phosphate and copper silicate. More information on these can be found on the Chemicals Regulation Directorate website here.
When considering application of slug pellets it is critical to assess slug populations by trapping using chicken layers mash. HGCA, Potato Council and HDC have produced information that, coupled to industry best practice advice, provide a framework for protecting crops from slug damage.
Looking to the future
HGCA currently co-funds a collaborative research project which aims to identify new environmentally-friendly technologies for slug control based on orally-delivered fusion proteins containing specific molluscicidal toxins. The project is sponsored by Defra through the Sustainable Arable LINK programme and further information can be found here.
HDC, HGCA and Potato Council are divisions of the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board (AHDB)