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Slugs are continuing to affect many crops across the Western district of Victoria, with problems now being reported in late sown cereals and re-sown canola crops. Agronomist, Craig Drum (Tatyoon Rural), says some paddocks have been re-sown two or three times after suffering poor plant establishment, and are still suffering damage after being baited on multiple occasions. Some badly affected paddocks have been cultivated to suppress slug numbers, and although this appears to have worked reasonably well, Craig says it is being used as a ‘last resort’ as most paddocks have been under a minimum or no-till regime for many years.
In paddocks where stubble was burnt prior to sowing, slug numbers are significantly lower, although feeding damage has still occurred. Researcher, Michael Nash (University of Melbourne), says the dynamics of slug species in the Western district of Victoria appears to be shifting. In addition to the two most common species (the grey field slug – Deroceras reticulatum, and the black keeled slug – Milax gagates), the brown field slug (Deroceras panormitanum) has been found in unusually high numbers in many paddocks this season. The brown field slug is similar in appearance to the grey field slug, although it is smaller and secretes clear mucus when disturbed.
Some growers are already considering their options for managing the slug situation for next season. With no delays in harvest and the opportunity to have ‘clean’ paddocks with no vegetation for at least 2-3 months over summer, it is hoped that slug numbers will be reduced significantly. For further information on slug baiting and species identification, refer to PestFacts Issue No. 1.
What is PestFacts?
PestFacts south-eastern keeps growers and advisers informed about invertebrate pests and beneficials in broadacre crops and pastures during the winter-cropping season in Victoria and southern New South Wales.
PestFacts south-eastern is run through IPMforGrains: Best Practice Insect Pest Management, a project delivered by the National Pest Information Network (cesar, DPIRD, QDAF, NSW DPI, and SARDI). This project aims to provide grain growers and advisors with information on invertebrate grain pest occurrence and equip industry with the knowledge needed to implement integrated pest management practices. This initiative is a GRDC investment and includes in-kind contributions from all project partner organisations.
We need your reports
PestFacts is produced on an ʻas-needsʼ basis and relies upon pest observations and field reports from our subscribers. If you have recently observed invertebrate pests (or beneficial species) in broadacre crops, please contact us to report your observations.
Agricultural invertebrate identification
If you are a grower or agronomist in Victoria or NSW working with broadacre crops or pastures, we can assist you with identifying invertebrates found on farms at no cost. Please contact us for identification help.
PestFacts map
PestFacts map is an interactive tool that allows users to search and view historical pest reports across Victoria and NSW. The map is updated with each issue of PestFacts to include new reports.
How to acknowledge PestFacts?
With appropriate acknowledgement, cesar grants permission to reproduce information taken directly from PestFacts. To cite PestFacts: “PestFacts south-eastern (<<enter date published>>). cesar pty ltd.”
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