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MAT-SLF-Matprogr.:Prosj.fullfin.av SLF

Elements in an integrated pest management (IPM) of the invasive Iberian slug, Arion lusitanicus, in agriculture

Awarded: NOK 8.4 mill.

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The invasive Iberian slug, Arion lusitanicus, has in recent years become a pest in commercial fields of strawberries, vegetables and grass in several parts of Norway. It has spread dramatically since its first occurrence in Norway in 1988, and is assumed to continue to spread and increase in importance as a pest in the years to come. The present project aims at establishing important elements of an IPM manual for controlling the slug. Mechanical, chemical and biological methods will be included. Among th e mechanical methods, barriers to prevent the slugs from entering the fields will be tested, which is hypothesized to be effective in fields where the slug has to enter from the boundary every year. Among the chemical methods, the most effective use of pe sticides on the slug will be tested. Ways of hiding the pesticide so that beneficial and non-target organisms are not affected will be tested. Among the biological methods we will test the effects of predatory snails, carabid beetles and nematodes. Sub-le thal effects of the nematode on the slug will be investigated. The different methods will be conducted in the laboratory and in commercial fields of vegetables and strawberries. Most of the strawberry and vegetable growing areas in Norway are situated al ong the coast of Southern Norway. This is also the region where the Iberian slug is most numerous. The pesticides used against the slug today have some effect, but cannot prevent all damage. Thus, the establishment of an IPM strategy for the Iberian slug in strawberries and vegetable fields is crucial to secure future production of these crops in Norway. The project will run 2009-2011, and finance 2 researchers (part-time) and 1 PhD (full time) at Bioforsk, and 1 researcher and 1 post-doc (part-time) at the University of Bergen. The PhD will continue in 2012. Bayer CropScience and Plantasjen are financial partners, and application will be submitted to the Norwegian Horticultural Growers Association each year

Funding scheme:

MAT-SLF-Matprogr.:Prosj.fullfin.av SLF