Slug monitoring at South East Potato Day in the UK

Monitoring and addressing slug control issues will be discussed at this year’s South East Potato Day to be held at Brookland Village Hall, Romney Marsh, Kent on June 27.

Potato Council technical executive Chris Steele will be examining the life cycle of the most dominant slug species and discussing ways of monitoring risk.  He will also be looking at the different options of slug control open to the industry, including methiocarb, ferric phosphate and metaldehyde in addition to updating delegates on the metaldehyde stewardship group.

“Not only do you have to farm responsibly, you have to demonstrate that you do so,” explains Mr Steele. “As a result, it is vital to protect existing control options and participate in stewardship measures. Although the dry weather last year resulted in many slugs becoming dormant and retreating to up to one metre underground, it is likely that potato crops this year will suffer from high slug pressure, given the combination of rising soil temperatures and rainfall in May and early June.”

AHDB senior analyst Jim Davies will be revealing the latest facts and figures on prices, markets and trends specific to south east.
The afternoon session will include practical in-the-field discussions on topics such as water-use efficiency and irrigation with Cranfield University’s Jerry Knox and an update on the latest in cultivations  from David Hudson of David Hudson Potato Services Ltd.

“We are expecting another record turnout this year as the South East Potato Day offers growers the opportunity to keep up-to-date with the latest best-practice in addition to engaging with the speakers and discussing practical topics of concern to them,” says Mr Steele. “Places are limited – so reserve your place now to avoid disappointment!”

The South East Potato Day is organised by Potato Council in partnership with John Paine Potatoes Ltd.