Feeding of Slugs (Deroceras Sp. and Lehmannia nyctelia) on Subtropical Pasture Species, Particularly Kenya White Clover (Trifolium semipilosum) Cv. Safari
- 1 April 1979
- journal article
- research article
- Published by JSTOR in Journal of Applied Ecology
- Vol. 16 (1) , 307-318
- https://doi.org/10.2307/2402750
Abstract
Field measurements showed that Deroceras sp., a slug, could be a serious pest in pastures of Kenya white clover (T. semipilosum) cv. Safari in southeast Queensland [Australia]. At peak infestation (470 slugs/m2), 60% of the leaf area of T. semipilosum was eaten. In laboratory experiments, T. semipilosum was very palatable to Deroceras sp. and to another slug, Lehmannia nyctelia. The latter slug is common in southeast Queensland, but is rarely found in T. semipilosum pastures. Both slugs avoided eating the 14 spp. of tropical grasses that were tested. In pot experiments, slug damage depressed the growth rate and competitive ability of T. semipilosum. Slugs destroyed emerging seedlings of both T. semipilosum and T. repens. In controlled temperatures conditions, both slugs thrived better at 12 and 18.degree. C than at 6 and 24.degree. C. At 30.degree. C Deroceras sp. died whereas L. nyctelia survived.This publication has 1 reference indexed in Scilit:
- Chemical Control of Slugs in Orchard Grass-Ladino White Clover Pastures in the Pacific Northwest 1Journal of Economic Entomology, 1961