Minimising slug damage on young cereal crops

ADAMA’s Technical Manager, David Griffiths, explains why it is important to apply good quality slug pellets accurately and on time to ensure new cereal and oilseed rape crops remain properly protected.

The timely application of an effective molluscicide will be critical in protecting young crops, but the efficacy, durability and spreading performance of the pellets being applied are also important considerations.

Choosing the right slug pellets

When selecting a slug pellet, growers should consider several key factors:

• Rapid stop feeding
• Superior efficacy
• Sustainable product
• Prolonged retention of pellet efficacy
• Even distribution of the pellets in the field

FERRABAIT®, a new molluscicide from ADAMA, contains a brand new active ingredient for slug control, Feralla (elemental iron). 

FERRABAIT® is a complex formulation of more than 12 ingredients, all of which offer something unique to improve how the pellet works in the field. 

Manufactured using ADAMA’s Desidro Technology, FERRABAIT® contains high quality wheat flours to optimise palatability, alongside humic acids designed to stimulate feeding and encourage ingestion. The humic acid gives the pellet it’s black colour, while a blue coating is applied to the outside, providing growers with a visual indication of when reapplication may be required.

According to ADAMA, the formulation's rapid absorption delivers a fast stop-feeding effect, followed by mortality.

Improved durability in wet conditions

The Desidro process used in FERRABAIT® is designed to improve resistance to mould. Independent trials cited by ADAMA have shown that FERRABAIT® pellets remained mould-free for up to a week longer than other brands under wet conditions.

This resistance is particularly important because pellet integrity and durability can have a direct impact on effective slug control. A pellet that has deteriorated or become mouldy is less likely to be consumed by slugs.

Ultimately, a slug won’t feed on a mouldy pellet, it therefore pays to invest in good-quality, long-lasting slug pellets to keep valuable crops better protected for longer.”

Getting application rates right

The maximum application rate for FERRABAIT® is 8kg/ha in high-value crops and high-pressure situations, with up to six applications permitted per crop.

ADAMA says that 5kg/ha can be sufficient under low to moderate slug pressure, providing 42 baiting points/m². At 7kg/ha, this increases to 59 baiting points/m².

However, accurate application remains essential. Even distribution of pellets across the field helps maximise the likelihood of slugs encountering and consuming bait.

New spreader calculator

ADAMA has also developed a web-based FERRABAIT® slug pellet calculator for growers and contractors.

The tool allows users to select their spreader type, spreading width and product application rate. It then provides application guidance, including the appropriate flute settings.

This is designed to help ensure pellets are applied accurately and achieve an even spreading pattern across the field, supporting effective pest control.

Click here for FERRABAIT® Spreader Guide

Find out more

FERRABAIT® contains 1% elemental iron and is designed to provide effective slug control in newly established crops.

For more information about FERRABAIT® and how it could help improve slug control, visit the ADAMA website. Growers looking for wider advice on slug trapping and integrated pest management can also access ADAMA’s dedicated slug control resources. Click Here for FERRABAIT®

Any questions or comments?

Feel free to reach out and call David on: 

07771 372689 or e-mail david.griffiths@adama.com. 

David Griffiths

UK Technical Manager