 |
The Gardener's Almanac |  |
||||
| Index | FAQ's | Links | Photos | Guest book | ||
| Black keeled slugs |
|
|
|
Black keeled slugs are actually grey, brown or black in colour, and have a distinct ridge (keel) running down the back of their body hence their name.
The slugs cause extensive damage to potatoes by tunneling into the tubers.
They live and feed in the soil, but can sometimes be found feeding above ground.
Breeding takes place in autumn and early winter and the eggs lie dormant in the soil until spring.
Mature slugs can grow up to 100mm (4”) in length and generally attack potato and other root vegetables.
Damage takes place in late summer and autumn when they make round holes in the skin, and form cavities within the tubers.
Damage becomes progressively worse the longer the crop is left in the ground, to limit the damage, lift the potatoes as soon as the tubers have matured.
These pests are difficult to control, because they spend much of their time below soil level, only coming to the surface in warm weather, and after heavy rain.
Often by the time the potatoes are lifted, the slugs have gone back into the soil.
The use of slug killing products such as; pellets, liquid and/or nematodes at these times will reduce the numbers.
Some varieties of potato are less susceptible to damage, so purchasing such varieties can alleviate the problem.
About this Site © The Gardener's Almanac 2005 Top of page