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 -1 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.Additional key words: commercial molluscicides, control efficacy, slug, soil conditions. ResumenEficacia de tres cebos con metaldehído registrados en Argentina, en el control de Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora) En Argentina, el manejo de la babosa gris Deroceras reticulatum (Müller) (Pulmonata: Stylommatophora) está limitado al uso de cebos tóxicos formulados como pellets con metaldehído. Los molusquicidas más importantes usados en el mercado argentino son Clartex (Rizobacter Argentina S.A.), Acay (Acay Agro S.R.L.) y Babotox (Huagro S.A.). El objetivo del presente trabajo fue investigar la eficacia y dosis de los cebos comerciales sobre D. reticulatum. En el laboratorio se evaluaron molusquicidas (Acay, Clartex y Babotox), dosis (3, 4 y 5 kg ha -1 ) y condición del suelo (seco y húmedo). La eficacia de control de los molusquicidas y sus dosis se evaluaron en dos sitios ubicados en Balcarce (sudeste de la provincia de Buenos Aires, Argentina). La proporción de babosas muertas no mostró interacción significativa entre condición del suelo, molusquicida y dosis (p > 0,05). En condiciones húmedas la proporción de babosas muertas fue significativamente menor que en condiciones secas (p < 0,05) y la mortalidad mayor se obtuvo con Acay al 56,1%. La eficacia de los molusquicidas mostró una tendencia similar en los ensayos a campo y el producto más promisorio fue Acay seguido por Clartex y Babotox.Palabras clave adicionales: babosa, condición del suelo, eficacia de control, molusquicidas comerciales.

Tillage system does not affect soil macrofauna in southeastern Buenos Aires province, Argentina

“…The adoption of NT system in southeastern Buenos Aires Province increased some groups of organisms like slugs and pill bugs in some fields, which became pests in crops (Faberi et al, 2006;Clemente et al, 2008;Salvio et al, 2008;Faberi et al, 2009). In recent works Diovisalvi et al (2008) and Domínguez et al (2009) determined that there are slightly changes in some properties of the soil related to the soils sustainability between CT and NT.…”

Importance of diet in the growth, survivorship and reproduction of the no-tillage pest Armadillidium vulgare (Crustacea: Isopoda)

“…Damages are similar to the common no tillage pest, slugs. Glen & Moens (2002), Moens & Glen (2002), Faberi et al (2006 and Salvio et al (2008) observed that slug damage to plants is caused at sowing and immediately after germination. Similar damages occur with A. vulgare, it feeds on seeds and seedlings, causing a reduction in plant density.…”

Efficacy of Achyranthes aspera (L.) as a Molluscicidal Bait Formulation against Fresh Water Snail Biomphalaria pfeifferi

“…Such protective behaviors can prevent free imbibition of molluscicidal compounds into the inner body cavities. On the other hand, molluscicidal baits act as stomach poisons [ 49 ]. Hence damage to the gastric epithelium is the main mechanism of action [ 14 , 50 , 51 ].…”