When it comes to slug control this autumn the key will be protecting crops fast as any delay prolongs the risk of damage, which could compromise emergence. The advice is to ensure effective protection from the outset by using slug pellets that are proven to provide rapid and consistent crop protection.
"Seeing the crop through establishment should be the primary goal when it comes to slug control as once a plant is established, the threat from slugs is greatly reduced. The key is to make sure that slugs consume a lethal dose of active ingredient in the shortest possible time as this stops them feeding and therefore provides fast crop protection. Proven Meta-metaldehyde pellets made with high quality wheat flours, which are palatable to slugs, encourage prolonged feeding so help to ensure rapid ingestion of a lethal dose, making them ideal for use during the crop emergence phase, " explains Jean-François Testut technical manager of pellet manufacturer CDP Clartex.
A further advantage of Meta-metaldehyde pellets is that they are proven to be effective in both wet and dry conditions and as a specific molluscicide, when used as directed, pose minimum risk to important field wildlife making them particularly suitable for ICM regimes.
"Many farmers were caught out last year and crops were lost to slugs, leading to the need to re-drill. Make an application of quality Meta pellets as soon as seeds are drilled and continue to make careful observations of the crop so that you're prepared for further treatments should slugs be active. Even should crops not be lost at emergence, leaf shredding makes them susceptible to diseases and frost damage later in the season with a potentially detrimental effect on yields," warns Testut.
