Slugs consistently cause damage to young soybeans in Atlantic states, and their populations increase with the level of groundcover in fields. In the mid-Atlantic region, about 70% of agriculture land is no-till to prevent soil erosion and runoff. However, this environment supports the build-up of slug populations, and control options all have drawbacks. In fact, 92% of no-till soybean growers experience significant slug damage. And 82% of growers surveyed by university researchers think slugs are the most challenging pest they face. Tillage and chemical control options have limitations. An alternative tool, slug parasitic nematodes, could be used alongside or in place of chemical controls.

Key Benefactors:
farmers, agronomists, Extension agents