Powering-Up Slug Control: Pellet Timing and Baiting Point Density are Critical
To maximise the efficacy of molluscicides, slug pellets should only be applied when slug populations have reached threshold, and only when weather conditions are favourable: it is not advisable to apply slug pellets immediately prior to heavy rainfall as this can lead to the rapid degradation of poorer quality slug pellets.
To reduce the impact any wet weather has on the longevity and efficacy of slug pellets, a pellet which remains palatable and mould-free should be used: Gusto IRON is manufactured using a two-stage drying process which ensures the ideal balance between persistence in wet weather and palatability over a long duration.
An even and appropriate spread
In addition to applying slug pellets at the correct timing and in the correct conditions, it is also essential to ensure they are used at an appropriate dose and spread evenly at the most effective baiting point density: the latter is affected by a range of factors including pellet size, evenness of spreading and application rate and consistency.
In most combinable crops, the optimum baiting point density is 40-50 pellets per m2.
When applied at a typical field rate of 5kg/ha, Gusto IRON pellets achieve a baiting point density of 45 pellets/m2. In contrast, larger pellets will produce too few baiting points, while smaller pellets, although providing more baiting points, will break down more easily in poor weather and may not achieve the same level of spreading accuracy.
Smaller pellets can also be less effective due to the requirement for slugs to ingest more than one pellet in order to receive a lethal dose. In contrast, the 2.5mm x 2.1mm size of Gusto IRON ensures one pellet provides an effective lethal dose, thereby removing the need for slugs to locate a second pellet prior to their demise – during which time they could still be inflicting damage on the crop.
Faster action
The size and consistency of Gusto IRON pellets also ensures the quicker delivery of a lethal dose of ferric phosphate: a single adult (400 mg) grey field slug needs to consume more than one pellet of Sluxx HP to receive a lethal dose. Having ingested its first pellet, the slug would therefore need to find and feed on another pellet before it received a dose that would guarantee its demise. In contrast, a single pellet of Gusto Iron delivers more than sufficient active ingredient to deliver a lethal dose, thereby neutralising the threat of further crop grazing quickly and effectively.
Gusto® IRON: the obvious choice for cost-effective slug control
Gusto® IRON is a ready-to-use, pelleted bait containing 2.94% w/w anhydrous ferric phosphate. It is approved for use in a range of agricultural and horticultural crops and offers the following key benefits:
- A durable, persistent and palatable slug pellet for the control of all UK slug species
- Rainproof and with superior mould resistance
- Excellent colour retention for easy detection
- Uniform pellet size and density for accurate spreading to wide working widths
- Each pellet is the optimum size to provide a lethal dose for rapid slug control
- Optimum baiting points of 45 pellets per m2 when applied at a field rate of 5kg/ha.
