More rain has paved the way for slug populations to rocket again, according to a national survey being administered by three leading distributors.

Co-ordinated by De Sangosse, the study is being carried out by Masstock, Procam and UAP to paint a national picture of the slug risk. “We are co-ordinating resources to deliver a valuable point of reference,” said a representative of De Sangosse. “Information from the study is giving growers the opportunity to plan ahead, order slug treatments and use Deter.

“But growers shouldn’t rely on these results alone,” he warned. “Don’t neglect slug monitoring on farm to identify the high risk patches which must be targeted.” One grower participating in the study, from Pocklington in Yorkshire, found populations of 173 slugs per metre square on one site last week.

Bean advises that the challenging conditions this autumn demand good quality pellets. “Persistence is the key feature. Dry process minis won’t stand up to the task. Pasta-based pellets, such as TSD Major, can be expected to last 21 days against the two to three days one can expect from standard minis.”

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