Slugs in Conservation Tillage Corn and Soybeans in the Eastern Corn Belt

Abstract

Slug problems have increased in frequency as conservation tillage has become a more widely adapted practice for production of corn, Zea mays (L.), and soybean, Glycine max (L.) Merrill, in the Midwest. Because of the increasing concern about slug damage to these crops, we initiated studies to aid growers in management of this serious pest. Slug populations were sampled in conservation-tillage fields in seven counties in Ohio from 1994–1996 to determine the species that were present in field crops and to gain insights into their life histories and damage potential. Four slug species were collected in numbers sufficient to be considered of potential economic importance. The predominant species in population size and geographic range were Deroceras reticulatum (Müller), followed closely by D. leave (Müller). Both species were common in most fields. The third most numerous slug species was Arion subfuscus (Drapamaud). Although this species was found in fewer fields, it was often collected in very large numbers. The fourth slug. A. fasciatus (Nilsson), was found only in two counties. We observed juvenile D. reticulatum causing the most damage by their feeding in late-May and in June. Damage caused by the other species was not as evident, with the possible exception of A. subfuscus causing stand loss in soybeans.

Moluscos em área de horticultura no município de Porto Alegre, Rio Grande do Sul, Brasil

“…1) FERNANDEZ DE VALERA (1982) , em pesquisa sobre lesmas de interesse agrícola na Venezuela, confirma o registro ocorrido na área avaliada, registrando esta espécie em apenas uma área com essa cultura. (1996), COOK et alo , 1997) e FRANK & FRIEDLI (1999 verificaram, para a Europa, D. reticulatum; HAMMOND (1996) Bradybaena similaris com o segundo maior número de moluscos coletados, mostrou-se presente em oito (66,67%) das culturas atacadas por moluscos; apresentando-se constante em 8,33% das culturas atacadas por moluscos, acessória em 41,67 % e acid~ntal em 16,67% (Tab. I).…”

Is a combination of different natural substances suitable for slug (Arion spp.) control?

“…Slugs of the genus Arion (Gastropoda: Arionidae) have been classified as a major economic pest in Europe (Frank, 1998), North America (Hammond et al, 1999), Asia (Ahmadi, 2004), and Australia (Barker, 2002). Slugs are primarily pests of ground crops, such as vegetable and cereals (Port & Port, 1986;Barker, 1991Barker, , 2002.…”

Ingestion and excretion of two transgenic Bt corn varieties by slugs

“…Slugs are important pests of corn throughout the world and can cause defoliation between 2-59% (South 1992;Byers and Calvin 1994;Hammond et al 1999). Particularly, the two slug species Arion lusitanicus Mabille (Mollusca: Arionidae) and Deroceras reticulatum Müller (Mollusca: Agriolimacidae) are major pests in young corn fields in Europe and slug problems have even increased due to conservation tillage practices (Hammond et al 1999).…”

“…Particularly, the two slug species Arion lusitanicus Mabille (Mollusca: Arionidae) and Deroceras reticulatum Müller (Mollusca: Agriolimacidae) are major pests in young corn fields in Europe and slug problems have even increased due to conservation tillage practices (Hammond et al 1999). Slugs are a common prey of carabids, spiders, birds and hedgehogs (Symondson et al 2006).…”