Don’t forget Slugs this Autumn

With current soil moisture levels higher than we would normally expect for the end of august, flea beetle damage is not the only damage to be wary of this autumn! Slugs are highly active and highly dependent on moisture for their survival and are most active in damp humid conditions.

Slug damage in winter oilseed rape can look very similar to flea beetle damage to the untrained eye. But slug damage predominantly occurs on the outer leaves of the vulnerable cotyledons and up to the four true leaf stage. At the cotyledon stage total crop loss can occur if crops are not monitored and precautionary action is not taken.

With a legislative and environmental move away from a metaldehyde based pellet, to a ferric phosphate based pellet, manufactures have had the chance to redesign how a slug pellet functions. The De Sangosse pellet Sigon focuses on three main elements, Spreadability, Palatability and Persistency. Laboratory research has shown, these pellets are preferentially eaten, due to their in-built attractants and can withstand higher levels of moisture without degrading when compared to the historic metaldehyde based pellet, all without compromising its spreading ability.

Once the pellet has been ingested, the slug stops feeding almost immediately and unlike metaldehyde, ferric phosphate has a very low impact on non-target organisms such as earthworms and beetles.

Use ferric phosphate as part of your IPM approach to ensure your crops successfully establish this autumn.

Call the crop protection team today: 01243 755610