WITH recent damp weather, there’s now a moderate-to-high slug pressure anticipated for the sowing season ahead.

Increasing numbers of slugs are being reported in various parts of the UK – especially in Scotland – and this trend is set to continue with agronomists anticipating a moderate-to-high slug pressure season.

Certis’ technical specialist, Geoffrey Bastard, told The Scottish Farmer that growers should not to be complacent even though little straw has been left after harvest and dry conditions helped to keep slugs at bay.

“We’ve seen slugs grazing on stubble and OSR volunteers following harvest, particularly in places where there’s been significant rainfall, and where soils are heavier,” he said, advising growers to adopt a risk-based IPM approach.

This includes a combination of control methods to prepare for a potential influx of the pests. “Particular attention should be paid to fields with historically high slug pressure. Previous crop and soil type will also have an impact, for example, wheat after oilseed rape will be particularly susceptible.”

He said slug pressure should be frequently monitored on a field-by-field basis. “Assess the current in-field populations and ensure soils are well consolidated ahead of drilling. However, I’d be cautious of cultivating too early, as working dry and cracked soils could cause more damage to the soil structure. This can slow down germination and negatively impact on the crop successfully growing away from the pest.”

Mr Bastard also recommended slug trapping to recognise when slug pellets are required. “Monitor populations by placing slug traps with layers mash underneath. Put traps out in the evening to be checked early the following morning. If you see four or more slugs, apply a ferric phosphate slug pellet, such as Sluxx HP.”

Using a high-quality, uniform, wet process ferric phosphate pellet, will provide good spreadability and durability in the field. “Ferric phosphate also comes with the added benefit of having no environmental restrictions, but growers should still be mindful of the specific application rates of the product to ensure best results,” he added.

Sluxx HP should be applied at a maximum dose rate of 7kg/ha. In high pest-pressure situations, up to four applications can be made with a maximum total dose of 28kg/ha/crop.