Smooth slug

Crops attacked: As a polyphagous pest, the smooth slug feeds on a wide variety of plants. It is particularly damaging to young vegetable seedlings, leafy greens, root vegetables like potatoes and carrots, and strawberries. It is also a significant pest in greenhouses and nurseries, where dense planting and high humidity create ideal habitats for its proliferation.

Biology and life cycle: The life cycle of this mollusc is entirely dependent on moisture. They lay eggs in moist, protected areas such as soil cracks, under mulch, or beneath decaying plant material. As hermaphrodites, they possess a high reproductive potential, allowing them to rapidly infest new areas. They are primarily nocturnal, retreating to damp, dark places during the day to prevent dehydration.

Damage and pest status: The damage caused by smooth slugs includes irregular holes in foliage and deep, unsightly excavations in bulbs and tubers. Beyond physical consumption, their mucus trails leave residues that reduce the market quality of the produce. These trails also serve as vectors for various plant pathogens, significantly increasing the risk of post-harvest rot and disease outbreaks.

• Maintaining proper sanitation by removing debris and weeds;
• Using physical barriers like copper tape or sharp grit around sensitive plants;
• Implementing trap cropping or beer traps to reduce population density;
• Practicing appropriate irrigation schedules to minimize surface moisture in the evenings;
• Applying molluscicides containing iron phosphate, which is safer for the environment and pets.