Centre for Integrated Pest Management, Harper Adams University, Newport, UK.
School of Mathematics, University of Birmingham, Birmingham, UK.
Pest Manag Sci. 2020 Sep;76(9):2944-2952. doi: 10.1002/ps.5895. Epub 2020 May 27.
The distribution of the grey field slug (Deroceras reticulatum Müller) in arable fields is characterised by patches containing higher slug densities dispersed within areas of lower densities. Behavioural responses that lead to the spatial/temporal stability of these patches are poorly understood, thus this study investigated behavioural mechanisms underpinning slug distribution using a new method for long-term tracking of individual slug movement in the field.
A technique for implanting radio frequency identification (RFID) tags (each with a unique identification code) beneath the body wall of slugs was developed. Laboratory tests indicated no consistent detrimental effect on survival, feeding, egg laying or locomotor behaviour (velocity, distance travelled). Movement of individual slugs above and below the soil surface was recorded for >5 weeks (in spring and autumn) in winter wheat fields. Most (80%) foraged within a limited area; and at the end of the observation period were located at a mean distance of 78.7 ± 33.7 cm (spring) or 101.9 ± 24.1 cm (autumn) from their release point. The maximum detected distance from the release point was 408.8 cm. The remaining slugs (20%) moved further away and ultimately were lost.
RFID tagging allowed continuous tracking of individual slugs, even below the soil surface. Localised movement of 80% of tracked slugs over 5 weeks offers a mechanism promoting stable slug patches in arable crops. Rapid dispersal of the remaining slugs facilitates exchange of individuals between patches. Precision targeting of pesticides at such stable slug patches may facilitate reduced usage. © 2020 The Authors. Pest Management Science published by John Wiley & Sons Ltd on behalf of Society of Chemical Industry.
农田中灰色田野蜗牛（Deroceras reticulatum Müller）的分布特点是存在高密度蜗牛斑块，斑块内散布着低密度蜗牛。导致这些斑块空间/时间稳定的行为反应尚不清楚，因此本研究使用一种新的个体蜗牛在田间运动的长期追踪方法，研究了支持蜗牛分布的行为机制。
开发了一种在蜗牛体壁下植入射频识别（RFID）标签（每个标签具有唯一识别码）的技术。实验室测试表明，这种方法对蜗牛的生存、进食、产卵或运动行为（速度、行进距离）没有一致的不利影响。在冬小麦田中，个体蜗牛在土壤表面上方和下方的运动被记录了>5 周（春季和秋季）。大多数（约 80%）觅食范围有限；在观察期结束时，它们位于距释放点的平均距离为 78.7 ± 33.7 cm（春季）或 101.9 ± 24.1 cm（秋季）处。从释放点检测到的最大距离为 408.8 cm。其余的蜗牛（约 20%）移动得更远，最终失踪。
RFID 标记允许对个体蜗牛进行连续追踪，即使在土壤下方也是如此。80%的追踪蜗牛在 5 周内的局部移动为促进作物中稳定的蜗牛斑块提供了一种机制。其余蜗牛的快速扩散促进了斑块之间个体的交换。针对这些稳定的蜗牛斑块进行精准施药可能有助于减少使用量。 © 2020 作者。Pest Management Science 由 John Wiley & Sons Ltd 代表化学工业协会出版。
