"Comparative Laboratory Evaluation of Nematicide, Molluscicide, and Seed Treatment Strategies for Managing Marsh and Gray Field Slugs (Gastropoda) in Soybean Seedlings"
Academic Level at Time of Presentation
Freshmen
Major
Sustainable Agriculture
List all Project Mentors & Advisor(s)
Dr. Kristie Guffey
Presentation Format
Poster Presentation
Abstract/Description
Slugs (Deroceras spp.) are economically significant pests in non-tillage soybean production systems, where their feeding on emerging seedlings can severely impact plant stand and yield. This study evaluated the efficacy of seed-applied nematicides (Avicta with and without abamectin), foliar abamectin spray, and metaldehyde-based bait against two slug species marsh slugs (Deroceras laeve) and gray field slugs (Deroceras reticulatum) under laboratory conditions. Soybean seedlings germinated on moist paper towels were exposed to slugs across various treatment groups, and seedling damage and slug mortality were monitored over a 14-day period. Metaldehyde bait and abamectin spray tested in the marsh slug trial significantly reduced slug-induced damage and mortality, especially among adults. In the gray field slug trial, abamectin spray consistently outperformed seed treatment, reducing both seedling injury and mortality compared to untreated controls. Avicta-treated seeds had moderate efficacy in both species, with limited impact on juvenile slugs. This study emphasizes the importance of life-stage-specific responses in evaluating control strategies and supports the integration of chemical treatments, particularly baits and abamectin spray to control slugs in soybean seedlings.
Spring Scholars Week 2026
Sigma Xi Poster Competition
"Comparative Laboratory Evaluation of Nematicide, Molluscicide, and Seed Treatment Strategies for Managing Marsh and Gray Field Slugs (Gastropoda) in Soybean Seedlings"
Slugs (Deroceras spp.) are economically significant pests in non-tillage soybean production systems, where their feeding on emerging seedlings can severely impact plant stand and yield. This study evaluated the efficacy of seed-applied nematicides (Avicta with and without abamectin), foliar abamectin spray, and metaldehyde-based bait against two slug species marsh slugs (Deroceras laeve) and gray field slugs (Deroceras reticulatum) under laboratory conditions. Soybean seedlings germinated on moist paper towels were exposed to slugs across various treatment groups, and seedling damage and slug mortality were monitored over a 14-day period. Metaldehyde bait and abamectin spray tested in the marsh slug trial significantly reduced slug-induced damage and mortality, especially among adults. In the gray field slug trial, abamectin spray consistently outperformed seed treatment, reducing both seedling injury and mortality compared to untreated controls. Avicta-treated seeds had moderate efficacy in both species, with limited impact on juvenile slugs. This study emphasizes the importance of life-stage-specific responses in evaluating control strategies and supports the integration of chemical treatments, particularly baits and abamectin spray to control slugs in soybean seedlings.