Biological Control Of Slug Pests Using Molluscicidal Nematodes: A Slosson Report (1999-2000).pdf

It also raises health concerns due to their role as intermediate hosts for veterinary parasites. The mild Californian climate exacerbates the issue by enabling slugs' year-round activity.

Current control methods are labor-intensive, impractical, or have environmental and health drawbacks. Chemical baits containing metaldehyde can be effective but unreliable under cool and wet conditions. The report introduces molluscicidal nematodes (Rhabditida: Rhabditidae) as a promising biological control alternative for pest slugs, specifically focusing on Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita.

Key Points:

- Problem: Slugs cause significant damage to horticultural plants in California due to their year-round activity and preference for succulent foliage. They also pose health risks as intermediate hosts for parasites.
- Current Control Methods: Non-chemical methods are labor-intensive, while chemical baits have limited efficacy and environmental/health concerns.
- Proposed Solution: Biological control using molluscicidal nematodes, particularly Phasmarhabditis hermaphrodita, which has shown broad host range and effective control in Europe.
- Research Approach:
- Conduct a survey for molluscicidal nematodes in California, focusing on coastal regions and slug-prone areas.
- Isolate and rearing nematode strains with high virulence to slugs.
- Evaluate the isolated nematodes against economically important slug species like Deroceras reticulatum, Limax marginatus, and Milax gagates.
- Results (from Table 2): Variable mortality rates were observed across different locations, with some sites showing high mortality (up to 74%) while others had minimal deaths.