Initial evaluation of the effectiveness of selected active substances in reducing damage to rape plants caused by arion lusitanicus (Gastropoda, Pulmonata, Arionidae)

Abstract

Spray forms of various chemical compounds including compounds of plant origin, molluscicides, and insecticides were tested in order to investigate their possibilities for reducing damage to young rape plants caused by the slug Arion lusitanicus Mabille, 1868. Among them, abamectin (0.2%), methiocarb (0.5%) and metaldehyde (1.0%) reduced damage to the plants, although metaldehyde remained active for only nine days. These three chemical compounds were not phytotoxic to rape plants, and none of them proved lethal to the slugs at the concentration used. The reduction in rape plant damage was obtained as a result of their deterrent and/or antifeedant action. The results indicate that abamectin has high potential usefulness in protecting winter rape seedlings from slugs.