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Presents updates on events and issues related to farming in Great Britain as of September 23, 2004. Expectations on slug threats in crops sown during the autumn season; Percentage of blackgrass seed germination across the country; Advantages of exploiting genetic resistance to stem and root lodging in wheat crops in increasing yields; Presence of diseases in winter barley and oilseed rape.

The author offers tips on how to effectively deal with beetles and slugs. He explains how grains may be prone to insect and slugs problem and offers tips on how to effectively control them particularly during wet autumns. The author also expresses disappointment concerning metaldehyde ban given the comprehensive efforts of the industry to implement the stewardship program.

The article reports that metaldehyde slug pellets are to be banned across Great Britain in 2020, following advice from the Great Britain Expert Committee on Pesticides (ECP) and the Health and Safety Executive (HSE), because they impose considerable risk to birds and mammals. It mentions suggestions for killing slugs with ferric phosphate pellets. It states that the decision of banning slug pellets came despite efforts by the farming industry to encourage responsible use of the pesticide.

The article provides suggestions for killing slugs with ferric phosphate pellets. It mentions that ferric phosphate pellets has a lot less holes in the leaves than the Niab trial which, unlike the farm crop, has had insecticide, but lacks a companion crop. It states that counter-intuitively caused challenges in the baking dry summer by decreasing our beetle numbers, while slugs somehow hid away, ready to appear starving with the first rains.

The article informs that Doug McCowan, who farms 456 hectare of arable land at Woodlands Farm on a mix of soils, ranging from very sandy to medium to heavy loam, in Great Britain, has switched from metaldehyde to ferric phosphate slug pellets without compromising slug control. It discusses how McCowan applies sludge cake in rotation to replace phosphate and apply potash variably.

The article offers information on the impact on slug control due to ban on neonics insecticides in Great Britain.

The article offers the author's insights regarding the slug problem after spring oat crop in north Herefordshire, England. Topics include the treatment of grassweed problems using Movon and Jade herbicides, indoor lambing system, and Brexit or the withdrawal of Great Britain from the European Union (EU).

The author focuses on the impact of heavy rain in the growth of cereal crops in Great Britain during the autumn season in 2017. Topics include the notice issued by agronomists against drilling winter wheat in less-than-ideal seed-beds as heavy rain can allow the emergence of slugs, the positive effect of wet weather to stale seed-beds, and the benefits of delaying the drilling winter wheat to farmers.

In this article, the author talks about farming in Ryedale, England. Topics include application of ferric phosphate pellets that reduced slugs; attack by cabbage stem flea beetle on one field while the other field remains alone; rise in wheat yields after using big bags in a Dekalb field trial this year.

The article reports on a study on how ploughing and minimal tillage could control slugs on one Leicestershire farm in high pressure situations. The study found that severe slug damage and possible crop loss could be caused by a wet autumn. It is mentioned that patchy, thinner crops were experienced although the farm was managed through re-drilling.

The article presents suggestions on reducing spray drift for this autumn to help cut slug damage. It is mentioned that a flexible approach is needed tailored for each field to achieve good blackgrass control. It is suggested that to stay a step ahead of the blackgrass and reduce the seed burden returning to the soil, growers need to be flexible, drill later and be prepared to change rotations.

The article presents guidelines on how farmers in Great Britain can control slug population. According to slug specialist David Glen, farmers should evaluate the level of slug activity in cultivated and stubble fields. A good solid seed-bed and rolling are also critical in preventing the slugs from reaching the seed during early-stage growth. Growers should consider the Metaldehyde Stewardship Guidelines (MSG) when applying metadelhyde to control the slugs.

The article focuses on the benefits of using seed treated with Redigo Deter clothianidin and a methiocarb slug pellet application to control slugs in wheat crops, according to Bayer Cropscience seed treatment manager Adrian Cottey. He noted that the scheme allows growers to reduce the use of metaldehyde slug pellets. Based on a Bayer research, Draza Forte methiocarb has better pellet quality. He added that spreading Draza Forte as the first treatment could prevent subsequent application needs.

The author offers updates about the arable farming operations at his farm located in Leicestershire, England, particularly the lack of slugs that allowed him to produce almost perfect seed-beds.

The article informs that growers are being warned for an onslaught of slugs this autumn, with population numbers likely to hit levels unseen the disastrous 2012 season. It is noted that growers are prepared to take action against the pest in establishing crops as slugs may emerge on the back of any rainfall. It is noted that agronomist Colin Myram says growers are balancing the pest threat with the need to prevent the popular slug pellet active ingredient metaldehyde reaching watercourses.

The article describes how Scottish Borders contractor Crop Services manages to stay afloat on top of increasing slug populations and grassweeds by adding retro-track units and a state-of-the-art granular applicator to its Kubota RTV utility vehicle. It discusses the advantages of the tracked farm vehicle with regards to applying granular grass weed control products such as Avadex and slug pellets, avoidance of soil compaction, soil sampling mapping and variable application mapping.

The article explains the biology behind the threat of slugs to crops in Great Britain. The three main types of slug that attack crops are the grey field slug, the round-backed slug and the keeled slug. It is noted that slugs survive on heavy clay and silty soils, and they could kill wheat seeds after sowing. Cultivation after harvest is suggested to reduce the numbers of slugs.

The article provides information on the control of slugs in autumn crops. A conclusion from a discussion on the pests organized on behalf of metaldehyde manufacturer Lonza states that trapping and using decision trees are fine in theory. But knowing what drives slug populations and activity and choosing and applying pellets carefully are more important when protecting winter oilseed rape and cereals.

The article features Redigo Deter for wheat, a Raxil-branded product for barley and Deter co-application product insecticidal seed treatments based on clothianidin from Bayer CropScience. The treatments have the capacity to control autumn aphids that transmit barley yellow dwarf virus. Deter is claimed to be the first seed treatment that has a label claim for slug activity. INSETS: INFECTION PATCHES DUE TO POOR TIMING;DETER PRICING;PACKAGE DISPOSAL WILL CUT BURDEN.

Presents an interview with farmer Jim Bullock regarding direct drilling. Effect of direct drilling on soil; Factors to consider before conducting direct drilling; Fertilizer used by Bullock on his farm during autumn; Potential problem brought by slugs to direct drilling. INSET: PLANNING AHEAD.

The author looks at the status of arable farming in Brightwell-Cum-Sotwell and Oxford in England as of December 2005. Slugs in farms are treated three times in some areas. Crops are sold based on pool pricing. During grazing period, leafy Claire-type wheat straw contributes to higher stocking density.

This article examines how best to tackle slugs in autumn combinable crops, identify control products, and relay experiences. Just one slug can destroy 50 wheat seeds within a week of sowing and, weight-for-weight, smaller ones kill more seeds than larger ones. But with a single treatment of pellets costing £6.50-£20 per hectare and increasing environmental pressure to use pesticides only where absolutely necessary, it is well worth assessing the damage risk before applying them, says mollusk specialist David Glen of Styloma. INSET: Cultivation controls.

Provides advice on the use of traps for slug control in Great Britain. Factors to consider in trapping the agricultural pest; Application of pellets in the traps; Importance of timing application of pellets.

The article offers the author's experience of taking the risk of leaving a large part of filed for spring drilling while growing wheat in the rest in Lincolnshire, England, highlighting hollowing out a majority of wheat seed by slugs; growth of blackgrass; and his plan for a crop of spring barley.

The article focuses views of several executives on effect of wet and cool weather in August, 2015 on crops and crop harvesting. Topics discussed include threat to oilseed rape crops from slugs, views of David Martindale, member of Association of Independent Crop Consultant (AICC) in Yorkshire, England related to crop harvest and yields and views of agronomist Kevin Knight at Zantra Ltd., on use of metaldehyde for crop protection from pests such as flea beetles.

The article focuses on minimizing the costs of controlling slugs while establishing crops by using low-dose pellets of metaldehyde. Topics discussed include problem of water contamination by the use of metaldehyde, minimizing the problem by using low-dose pellets, views of agronomist Steve Baldock on the use of Metamax pellets as per the guidelines of chemical manufacturer Metaldehyde Stewardship Group (MSG), and amount of metaldehyde received by several crops like oil rapeseed and wheat.

The article offers information on the operational developments at the Euston Estate Farms, owned by Farmer Andrew Blenkiron in South of Thetford in Norfolk, England. Topics discussed include completion of drilling at the farm, ensuring the implementation of the underground irrigation pipe and checking the population of slugs, that may damage winter crops.

Several abstracts are provided on agricultural topics including controlling the species of potato cyst nematodes, controlling the population of blackgrass by growing spring barley and control methods for slugs, to protect damage to winter wheat crops.

The article raises concern over the increasing number of slugs in fields in England, due to moist soil and offers tips from several agronomists including Tod Hunnisett, Sean Sparling and Patrick Stephenson, to prevent crop damage from the slugs. It suggests the farmers to use traps, monitor the land twice daily and treat the land within metaldehyde stewardship guidelines. It also focuses on managing blackgrass on fields by spraying with glyphosate herbicide.

The article discusses the measures taken by Ben Tarr, working closely with Wessex Water Co., for protecting Rexworthy Farm in Somerset, England from slugs. Tarr, in 2009, resorted completely to the use of ferric phosphate products for slug pellet application and treated it more important than pre-emergence herbicide spray. It discusses the Sluxx ferric phosphate and Derrex ferric phosphate from agrochemical company Certis and the Nemaslug slug killer pack from Becker Underwood.

The author reports on the potentially damaging slug levels likely to be seen in autumn of 2014 and what can be done to a step ahead of the pest. Topics mentioned include the growth of slug populations in arable fields as disease levels increased because of a mild winter, indication of initial inspections according to pest control expert Andy Evans, and the need for growers to consider applying pellets to stubbles or cultivated ground prior to drilling.

The article discusses independent slug expert David Glen's warnings that farmers in Great Britain should prepare for high slug populations in autumn following a mild winter. Topics discussed include factors contributing to the high number of juvenile slugs, suggestion to farmers to apply slug pellets up to a week before drilling in the autumn, and the need to check for early signs of slug damage in field vegetable crops such as potatoes.

The article reports on the possibility that the Spanish slug, Arion vulgaris, may affect crops in Great Britain as scientists fear that eggs may survive colder winters. One of the scientists, Ian Bedford, head of entomology at the John Innes Centre in Norwich, observed the slugs feeding on potato foliage in his garden in 2012. Bedford fears that the slugs could breed with native species to form a hybrid.

The author discusses the slug control efforts in modern crop rotations. Some factors influencing slug control include a planned approach, slug interaction with the bait and the use of a high-quality pellet. The increasing reliance on chemical control is due to several factors including the increased frequency of oilseed rape and adoption of non-inversion cultivation techniques. A discussion on the use of metaldehyde to control slugs is provided.

The article reports on a warning from Paul Fogg of the Metaldehyde Stewardship Group regarding the use of metaldehyde for slug control by farmers during spring planting due to environmental concerns over higher levels of the chemical in watercourses in Great Britain.

The article reports that Ian Bedford, head of the John Innes Centre's (JIC) entomology facility, has identified the Spanish species of slug, Arion vulgaris. The slug was nicknamed the "killer slug" because of its cannibalistic tendencies and aggressive nature. Bedford believes that this species of slug should be monitored closely as it could have potential effect on crops in Great Britain.

The article reports on efforts of farmers in Great Britain to control slugs. Some factors contributing to the spread of slugs include a wet April 2012 condition and continuous rain in summer and autumn. Farmers are advised by Farmacy agronomist Philip Vickers to monitor their slug problems to check daily the nature of the damage they can cause. The effectiveness of metaldehyde as alternative to methiocarb and ferric phosphate is discussed.

The article reports on developments in arable farming in Great Britain. Yorkshire agronomist David Martindale notes the difficulty of achieving fine and well consolidated seed-beds. He points out that some growers have abandoned the possibility of sowing winter crops in fields and ordered spring cereal seed. The author notes the growing concern about the control of slugs due to relentless rainfall and poor quality seed-beds.

The article discusses how wet weather during the key slug breeding season in Great Britain means growers should prepare for a record-breaking number of slugs that will appear in the autumn of 2012. According to the author, the wettest April to June period ever recorded in Great Britain has resulted in slug populations reaching massive numbers. The author notes that most slug species have one breeding cycle each year with April to May being important months.

The article reveals that Wessex Water has been compensating farmers for the use of ferric phosphate rather than metaldehyde for slug control by refunding them the price difference.

The article reveals that the wettest April to June period ever recorded in Great Britain in 2012 has resulted in slug populations reaching record numbers. According to David Glen, an independent consultant with Styloma Research & Consulting, he has never experienced more widespread and intense slug activity in his 30 years of investigating slug behaviour and control strategies.

The article reports that potato growers in Great Britain are being encouraged to follow metaldehyde best practice when it comes to dealing with slug problems. The importance of not treating and using metaldehyde slug pellets in unnecessary quantities is addressed. A pellet application at the early rosette stage that targets slugs emerging during warm weather spells is encouraged. Elements of the metaldehyde stewardship program are also outlined.

The article reports on the Scottish Agronomy's recommendation for integrated control programmes to enable potato growers to manage slugs. Results of the Scottish Agronomy's 2011 trials showed that methiocarb was the highest performing active ingredient compared with ferric phosphate and metaldehyde. Senior agronomist Eric Anderson points out some factors to consider when managing slugs, including soil type, irrigation, variety and previous crop.

This section offers news briefs concerning oilseed rape farming in Great Britain. Minimal problems with slugs have been experienced by Bryce Rham of the Association of Independent Crop Consultants (AICC). The completion of cereal drilling has been reported by Nick Brown of ProCam. Brian Ross of Frontier Agriculture mentioned that applications of pre-emergence herbicide treatments have been suspended.

The article presents several agronomists' description of farming conditions in Great Britain for the week of October 1, 2010. David Cairns talks about how the shortage of flufenacet products is not a major problem in northern Great Britain and that slug pressure has been low due to cultural controls. The application of graminicide to oilseed rape in the south is described by Tod Hunnisett. Marion Self cites the emergence of cereal volunteers and blackgrass in oilseed rape crops in the east.

The article discusses the importance of training operators to apply pellets. It highlights the need for getting qualified operators to speed up with metaldehyde stewardship guidelines. Guy Donaldson, a course leader at a 2009 slug pelleting seminar organised by the North Wiltshire Training Group, stressed the need for holding a PA4 granular application certificate before a person can spread slug pellets. He suggested holding seminars for all operators or the amended courses that will replace the seminars in January 2010.

This section presents an update on farm crops in Great Britain. Observation shows the increase in slug activity and the emergence of blackgrass in the eastern region. In the southern region, winter drilling has been completed and rain has stimulated the germination of grassweeds, particularly in oilseed rape. The northern region shows an up-to-date application of herbicide for broadleaved weeds and meadow grass and aphicide application for crops which had no insecticidal seed treatment.

The article offers tips related to the trapping of slugs. It notes that the requirement to limit the residues of metaldehyde in water supplies in Great Britain come August 2009 has led to the reconsideration of the practice of trapping slugs. It states that non-toxic baits should be used for the traps and that farmers need to monitor the number of slugs caught in the traps. It adds that cultural controls such as rolling may be used once traps fail to meet the threshold requirements.

The article focuses on an injection system designed to allow the application of the biocontrol slug killer Nemaslug Xtra from Becker Underwood using a rain gun. The Nemaslug Xtras has a parasitic nematode as its active ingredient, which requires sufficient moisture to move through the soil profile and kill slugs. Andrew Brown of Becker Underwood stated that the injection system is more user-friendly. The injection system comprises of a mixing tank and it produces its own power.

The article focuses on a new slug pellet Sluxx from Certis as an alternative to metaldehyde for preventing plants from being damaged by slugs. Sluxx has ferric phosphate as active ingredient. According to Peter Boyne of Certis, slugs are poisoned by Sluxx in a number of ways and ingestion of it would make slugs to stop feeding within a couple of hours. Marketing manager Robert Lidstone stated that the alternative should be considered first in areas where there was a problem with metaldehyde.