The efficacy of three metaldehyde pellets marketed in Argentina, on the control of Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora)

Abstract

Management of the grey slug, Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora), in Argentina, has been limited to the use of pelleted toxic baits containing metaldehyde. The most important molluscicides in the Argentinean market are Clartex (Rizobacter Argentina S.A.), Acay (Acay Agro S.R.L.) and Babotox (Huagro S.A.). The aim of this work was to investigate the efficacy and dose of those commercial baits against D. reticulatum. The molluscicides (Acay, Clartex and Babotox), at doses of 3, 4 and 5 kg/ha and dry and moist soil conditions were investigated in terraria trials. The efficacy of the molluscicides and dose level was also evaluated in field experiments at two sites at Balcarce in the southeast of Buenos Aires Province, Argentina. The proportions of dead slugs did not show significant interactions between soil conditions, molluscicides and their dose (p>0.05). The proportion of dead slugs, in moist conditions, was significantly lower than under dry conditions (p<0.05). Highest slug deaths were obtained with Acay 56.1%. The trend in relation to the efficacy of the molluscicides was similar in the two field trials. Acay gave the best performance, followed by Clartex and Babotox.