Control of the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum(Muller)) by stock management prior to direct-drilled pasture establishment

Abstract

SummaryThe use of stock management has been shown to be an effective means of manipulating numbers of the grey field slug,Deroceras reticulatum(Muller). At stocking rates of 1500 sheep days/ha or more, slug control in excess of 90% can be achieved with the flexibility of employing various combinations of stock numbers and length of grazing period. In the same trials methiocarb slug baits applied at 10kg product/ha gave 50% control of slugs. A quantitative sampling technique was developed and is briefly described.