The distribution of slugs in a potato crop.

Published online
15 Jul 1968
Content type
Journal article
Journal title
Journal of Applied Ecology
DOI
10.2307/2401413

Author(s)
Stephenson, J. W.

Publication language
English

Abstract

A method of detecting slugs below ground, using recoverable potato baits in a medium heavy silt soil, is described. Arion hortensis and Milax buda-pestensis were most numerous at the 6 to 9 in. soil depth of the furrows in a potato crop and were active throughout the growing season. The preferential wetting of the soil in the furrows possibly explains the spatial distribution of the slugs; their distribution underground during the growing season accounts for the poor control obtained when mol-luscicides are applied to the soil surface.

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