NGN - Communication and extension of slug management in the Southern region

Slugs are the sixth most damaging invertebrate pest for the Australian grains industry, costing growers an average of $8.7 million annually (Murray, et al., 2013). Slugs are particularly damaging to establishing canola, with experiments demonstrating yield losses in untreated areas estimated to be at 60%-80% (DAS00134). The Southern National Grower Network (NGN) has reported that the frequency and level of damage caused by slugs has increased in recent years, causing damage specifically at the emergence and establishment phase to crops including faba beans, canola and wheat. The increase in slug numbers can be attributed to the adoption of stubble retention which provides an ideal environment for population reproduction and growth, reduced tillage and increase in area grown to canola. A higher than average rainfall is expected in the Southern HRZ as a result of La Nina this year providing further favourable conditions for slugs.

This investment will provide Growers impacted by slugs in the Southern Region with improved knowledge on management strategies as delivered through workshops and updated communication and extension material including a Factsheet, back pocket identification guide, podcast and webinar.

Twelve paddock-based training workshops will increase grower and agronomist's knowledge on slug species found in their areas, enhance understanding of slug population dynamics hence improve crop protection from slug threats. The delivery of hands on local training will provide practical management within the context of the slug threat. To support information delivered, an updated slug factsheet will be provided to growers at each workshops, along with an identification key of the pest species: that is an updated version of the back-pocket guide.