DUE TO their adverse effects on grain-eating farm birds, the European Union has made the decision to ban the use of methiocarb slug pellets, a move that could have a massive effect throughout the UK, especially with potato growers and in the wetter climate of Scotland.

As reported last week, the detail of the amended regulation is expected by February, but it is likely to allow continued sale of methiocarb pellets for a maximum of six months from the entry into force date and then an additional 12 months use up period for farmers.

The other major slug pellet product used in the UK is metaldehyde, which accounts for about 80% of the market, but it has also come under some pressure to be regulated after the product has been found in watercourses.

This means that on top of the loss of methiocarb, tighter controls over metaldehyde-based slug pellets are likely in high-risk water catchment areas to try and cut pesticide levels in drinking water, which will leave only ferric phosphate pellets as an alternative.

The effect on the potato growing industry is the most worrying, according to industry experts. This withdrawal will limit growers to two products - metaldehyde and ferric phosphate - and leave crops more exposed and susceptible to slug damage.

John Sarup, an independent crop specialist who has worked with the SRUC, has used methiocarb as his number one product against slugs and says the ban is a major setback to the potato sector.

"When you look at potato varieties for instance, Maris Piper is still head and shoulders above everything else in terms of the planted area and it is one of the most susceptible varieties we have, which makes the ban even more worrying," he says.

"I always preferred methiocarb products because I think they are more stable in wetter conditions and give the greatest reduction in tuber hollowing.

"Not having these methods at hand for us is worrying for the sector and for crop growers overall. It could result in many crops being rejected by buyers," he adds.

Mr Sarup advises growers to make the most of the product for this season. In what could be high-risk season after a mild winter, the key timing for potato growers will be just prior to canopy closure, according to Mr Sarup, enabling growers to get bait on the floor by the time the canopy closes.