Farmers across England are slashing pesticide use by half thanks to innovative slug prediction maps. Developed as part of the £2.6 million Slimers project, these maps have been hailed as a game-changer for arable farming. The project, funded by Defra and led by the British On-Farm Innovation Network, has seen test growers dramatically reduce their reliance on chemical controls.
The three-year Slimers project aims to mitigate the substantial economic and environmental impact of slugs, which cause an estimated £44 million in damage annually to UK wheat and oilseed rape crops alone. Led by Professor Keith Walters at Harper Adams University, scientists have worked closely with 28 'slug sleuth' farmers to gather crucial data on slug behaviour.
These farmers collected vital information by setting up traps and taking soil samples on their land, which was then fed into a sophisticated computer model and algorithm. The result is detailed prediction maps showing where slugs are most likely to be found in arable fields. Professor Walters explains that the model has refined understanding of slug behaviour, revealing distinct patches formed according to soil type and climatic conditions.
The project's findings have already led to significant reductions in pesticide use for participating farmers, including Charles Paynter from Bedfordshire. With the 2022 ban on metaldehyde now in place, this targeted approach is more crucial than ever. The Slimers project also encompasses research into developing slug-resistant wheat varieties, with scientists identifying three areas within the genome linked to resistance against the grey field slug.
This breakthrough holds promise for plant breeders to cultivate new, more resilient crop varieties in the future. By combining advanced technology and expert knowledge, farmers are now better equipped to tackle one of agriculture's most persistent pests – a timely shift towards more sustainable farming practices.