Slug damage and control of field slug (Deroceras reticulatum (Müller)) by carvone in stored potatoes

Abstract

After a wet autumn and harvesting under wet conditions, slugs brought into potato stores via clods and soil adhering to tubers may cause substantial damage by feeding on the tubers. A carvone sprout inhibitor, Talent®, applied in the potato stores at a dose of 50 ml per tonne potatoes, controlled slugs within a few days. A dose of 25 ml carvone was insufficient. Using a laboratory box test, the slug (Deroceras reticulatum) affected only wounded tubers and, although slime was present on the unwounded potatoes, they were not damaged by slugs.