A Few Comments On Slugs

DR. SCOTT STEWART

JACKSON, TENN.
   This is a rerun of an article from last year in response to several calls about slugs in cotton and soybean. No-till, high residue, and mysterious holes in leaves should make you think slugs. They will be hiding under debris during the day. Please read below if this rings a bell!
   I’ve had just a couple of call about slugs, but unfortunately the best cure still remains hot and dry weather. There is generally little you can do in a timely manner unless you suspect in advance you are going to have a problem. Yes, there are baits available, but you often need them on hand and be prepared to apply them ASAP. If it takes 5-7 days to get product and apply, you’ll often discover the application is too late to help (or you can live with the damage). Be prepared in no-till fields with high residue. You can actually find these rascals hiding under debris before you plant. Please refer to my several previous articles about managing slugs (linked below). Reminder: slugs defoliate and mostly feed at night. So a symptom of infestations are mysterious holes in leaves, and sometime, cut plants.
   http://news.utcrops.com/2013/05/slugs-continued/
   http://news.utcrops.com/2013/04/a-watchful-eye-for-slugs/
   http://news.utcrops.com/2012/04/slugs-in-corn-and-other-crops-armyworms-in-corn/
   I’ve also had a couple of mentions of snails.  Control options would be similar to slugs.  Fortunately, snails are VERY rarely a serious threat to field crops. ∆
   DR. SCOTT STEWART: IPM Extension Specialist, University of Tennessee






 Slug feeding in soybean












 Slug on cotton