Differences in Acceptability of Herb Plants and Oilseed Rape for Slugs (A. Lusitanicus, A. Rufus and D. Reticulatum) in Food Choice Tests

Abstract

The following slug species, Arion lusitanicus, Arion rufus, and Deroceras reticulatum were included in laboratory-based multi-choice food tests consisting of 19 herb plants and oilseed rape. Rates of damage to plants at the growth stage of 2-4 leaves were estimated for each slug species and all tested herb plants using oilseed rape as a reference. The following indices were calculated: ac- ceptability index (A.I.), palatability index (P.I.) and consumption index (C.I.). Based on the obtained results four groups of plants were designated: unacceptable, lowly acceptable, moderately acceptable and highly acceptable. Brassica napus, Ocimum basilicum and Coriandrum sativum were accepted by all three examined slugs while Potentilla anserina and Chamaenerion angustifolium were rejected. The ac- ceptance degree for remaining plants varied according to slug species.