1 October 2009

Slugs Lie in Wait for Wet WeatherGrowers are being warned to be extra vigilant and at the ready when the current dry spell ends, to act against the threat still posed by slugs this autumn, says West Midlands Agrovista agronomist Luke Hardy.

“Although dry conditions have contributed to very light slug pressure, the slugs are there and as soon as we have any rainfall the wet conditions will increase activity, meaning numbers will just explode.

“Problems are merely being postponed and any complacency with slug control could see soaring slug populations if we aren’t careful,” explains Luke. “If growers don’t keep an eye on slug activity it could result in hurried, reactionary pellet applications. This may entail repeat applications which, despite best intentions, see metaldehyde stewardship issues put to the back of growers minds.”

Luke adds, “The recent dry conditions have left the ground very cloddy and unconsolidated. Seedbeds are in an ideal condition to provide significant breeding grounds for slugs and, while growers are in a much better position than at this point last year, remaining crop residues will have helped maintain and encourage slug populations between crops.”

As slow crop development could also leave crops more vulnerable to the slug risk, Luke advises regular monitoring of slug populations and checking of the weather forecast so growers aren’t caught unawares.

During application it’s important that Pelletwise guidelines are adhered to, says Luke. For example, applicator filling must be carried out in-field and away from margins and watercourses. Spillages must be dealt with immediately and appropriately to reduce the risk of runoff and to wildlife. Operators must also ensure pellets are not applied directly into watercourses and that the five metre buffer zone is observed adjacent to watercourses.

For more information relating to the best practice guidelines with metaldehyde slug pellets please visit www.getpelletwise.co.uk.
-ends-

For more information please contact Luke Hardy. Mobile: 07827 843 384.

Issued by Hannah Goodwin, Pinstone Communications Ltd. Tel: 01568 617 627. Email: hannah@pinstone.co.uk