OVERCOMING SLUGS IN NO-TILL CROP FIELDS WITH COVER CROPS AND ARTHROPOD PREDATORS

Slug populations in northeastern no-till field and forage crop fields are causing increasing damage and yield loss. Unfortunately, aside from tillage, growers have limited control options available for these slimy mollusks. Our preliminary research has identified factors that may be exacerbating slug problems, as well as support for two farmer-inspired, cover crop-based, cultural-control options, one involving crimson clover and the other using cereal rye. We propose a two-year project to explore the influence of these two cover crop species and the timing of cover-crop termination on slug and natural enemy populations. We also propose to share our results with growers, but are not requesting funds for these extension efforts, which will be incorporated into our regular and active extension programming. Our research will provide valuable insight on the promising control potential of these two cover crop species. If our preliminary data are supported, growers will have inexpensive and reliable, slug management options that will be easily incorporated into their no-till farming systems.