Abstract

Slug populations, principally of Deroceras reticulatum, in two northern New Zealand pastures fluctuated markedly over a 2-year period. The abundance of slugs was generally highest in late winter to early summer, with numbers reaching 60–80 m −2. In both pastures, applications of molluscicide baits at approximately monthly intervals reduced slug numbers and increased both the proportion and yield of white clover in the swards. The molluscicide treatment significantly increased the numbers of white clover stolon growing points, indicating that slugs mainly influenced clover growth by damage to stolon apical tissues. These results are discussed in relation to the seasonal dynamics of white clover in grazed swards.

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