Following a mild but wet winter, crop growers are being encouraged to remain vigilant with regard to slug damage to spring cereal crops.

Ideal breeding conditions for slugs during September and October are set to leave a considerable increase in slug populations.

Usually, spring crops are less susceptible to slug damage due to lower numbers of active slugs in cold winter months. Additionally, with crops growing quicker in warming conditions, this reduces vulnerability.

Professor of pest management at Harper Adams University Keith Walters warns of a lack of long frosts combined with encouraging soil conditions which may lead to an increase in slug damage.

He highlighted: “Look very carefully at fields destined for spring cereals, monitor for slugs and be ready to act if slug populations have survived the winter.

“Increased threat is forecast in fields where spring crops are combined with a cover crop, or in crops that have been direct drilled into trashy stubble.”

Independent agronomist with Crop Management Partners Richard Cromie is suggesting ways of combatting these situations, including how a shallow pass of a cultivator to incorporate organic matter will help and reduce the number of slugs. A recent trial conducted by the company’s trainee suggests that this method can reduce damage in the next crop by around one-third.

Richard adds: “A stubble rake is better than nothing, but a two to four-inch cultivation is best. It will help culturally beat some slugs up, relieve pressure on the following crop, and reduce reliance on slug pellets.”

He said that growers should be ready to take action by targeting ferric phosphate slug pellets to problematic fields or areas of concern as appose to a blanket approach.

“The wet autumn underlined the importance of a high-quality, standard-sized pellet like Sluxx HP, and should be considered if catchy conditions continue throughout the spring drilling campaign.

“That is my preferred product in wet conditions. The larger, well-formulated pellets offer a longer period of protection if you have rain soon after application.” he concluded.