By Blake Jackson
This spring, slugs wreaked havoc on Pennsylvania corn and soybean fields. Farmers like Jim Hershey had to replant multiple times to compensate for slug damage. This outbreak is attributed to ideal weather conditions – a mild winter followed by a cool, wet spring. The abundance of moisture allowed more slugs to survive and reproduce.
Planting practices might have inadvertently aided the slugs. Early planted soybeans, vulnerable due to their above-ground growing point, were easy targets. Additionally, no-till farming, while beneficial for other reasons, creates a slug haven.
Controlling slugs is tricky. Tillage, though effective, disrupts conservation plans and no-till practices. Bait application is limited by cost, rain, and competition from the soybeans themselves. Other options include using nitrogen solution, planting green, or switching to untreated seeds (to maintain ground beetle populations).
The impact of this "Slugfest 2024" on farmers' profits remains unclear. While replanting adds cost, soybeans can tolerate some defoliation without yield loss. Farmers whose crops established will likely fare better than those with significant stand loss.
This wasn't a Pennsylvania-only problem. Other states like Ohio, Maryland, and Delaware also reported slug damage and replanting needs. The gray garden slug is the primary culprit in Pennsylvania, with marsh slugs and dusky slugs playing a lesser role.
Farmers are advised to be proactive in slug management. Testing strategies like cover crops or untreated seeds on a small portion of land this year can help prepare for next season. Scouting for smaller-than-expected slugs is also crucial.
Photo Credit: manitoba-agriculture
Categories: Pennsylvania, Crops, Corn, Soybeans