Investment
Investment
GRDC Code: UOA2308-004RTX
This project will investigate slug population dynamics in response to climate and crop environment to develop a model that will inform on the economics and feasibility of integrated management approaches such as paddock selection, crop choice, strategic cultivation, stubble burning, rolling after sowing, best bait application and timing to achieve improved slug management outcomes. To improve slug management strategies, the project will also assess the efficacy of spring baiting under different crop types and climate conditions. Twenty paddocks will be studied in locations across Australia, including eastern and western Victoria, Eyre Peninsula, the Southeast and the Mid North of South Australia, lower New South Wales and southern Western Australia. The investment will build capacity and capability in slug expertise for the grains industry through engagement of a university Post-Doctoral Fellow, a PhD candidate, and a regional expert adviser for each state.
Optimising slug management: Enhancing capacity and capability through population modelling and innovative management strategies.
Slugs are the sixth most damaging invertebrate pest for the Australian grains industry, costing growers an average of $8.7 million annually. The expenditure on molluscicide baits continues to increase in Australia with average baiting costs of $30-$120/ha reported in high rainfall zones. Slugs are particularly damaging to establishing canola, with experiments demonstrating yield losses in untreated areas estimated to be at 60%-80%.
This project will investigate slug population dynamics in response to climate and crop environment to develop a model that will inform on the economics and feasibility of integrated management approaches such as paddock selection, crop choice, strategic cultivation, stubble burning, rolling after sowing, best bait application and timing to achieve improved slug management outcomes. To improve slug management strategies, the project will also assess the efficacy of spring baiting under different crop types and climate conditions. Twenty paddocks will be studied in locations across Australia, including eastern and western Victoria, Eyre Peninsula, the Southeast and the Mid North of South Australia, lower New South Wales and southern Western Australia. The investment will build capacity and capability in slug expertise for the grains industry through engagement of a university Post-Doctoral Fellow, a PhD candidate, and a regional expert adviser for each state.
- Project start date:
- 01/08/2023
- Project end date:
- 30/06/2027
- Crop type:
-
- Faba/Broad Beans, (Legume)
- Field Peas, (Legume)
- Canola/Rapeseed, (Oilseed)
- Organisation
- The University of Adelaide
- Region:
- North, South, West
- Project status
-
Active
GRDC News
Long-term monitoring ‘vital’ for slug management
1724248800000
Dr Michael Nash shares some lessons on slug management for the season