Hi,
Has anybody used nematodes on their allotment for reducing the slug population?
I am an "anti" slug pellet person, but we have found on our new allotments that we may have a large slug population. We have found native frogs on our allotment, which we hope will help with the problem. However, I was wondering if using nematode had been a success for any anyone.
We have 2 300 square yard allotments, which will mean a large expense to treat all of the allotment. If it is successful, then I don't mind spending the money to stop slugs and snails from eating our veg.
Some input on the success/failure rate would be greatly appreciated.
Many thanks
Ruth
Hello
I used them last year, two treatments during the season to protect my potato crop.
My potatoes were still full of holes.
The slow kill you get from nematodes makes them ineffective IMO.
They might work but by the time that the nematodes have got in to the slugs and managed to do their worst, the slugs have already feasted on your crops and spawned a new generation to repeat the process.
The kill process also requires warm soil and mosture so you can only treat for a few months in the year.
Loads of dosh for minimal effect would be my opinion.
I've used it before...one year I did two dozes of treatment to same area that was used growing for potatoes..and It did big difference to the crop. I didn't treat the whole plot as I didn't see need for it and the small slug population does tend to get smaller the more you use the ground.
Snails tend to travel quite distances, so I doubt it will make much difference to those..they are best tackled by finding their hiding places and introducing the bottom of you boot for them.. ;)
As said, I only dose the spud area, they normally leave the Kestrels alone anyway, but I still had holes in a lot of the other spuds after two doses, I have a very large slug population as I am the end plot and they lurk in the undergrowth next to me, I do use slug pellets, but normally on the path or along the wooden edging, not near the plants. ;D
I have found them useful BUT...
Application is only active for 6 weeks - you have to repeat.
Ideally do one in March then follow every 6 weeks - this way you catch them as they become active.
It seems to have best results when your neighbouring plots use it as well.
Clay soils can be an issue as it is hard to get penetration.
I don't really use them anymore - it isnt cost effective and I seem to suffer from big surface slugs more than the small ones that live deep..
I've used them twice adn had one good year and one bad. The good year I applied in mid-late April and it pretty much rained solidly for nearly a month with no frost. I'm assuming that led to the "perfect" dispersal into the soil, a 100% early infection rate and viable spores around to catch the hatching eggs and any more slugs coming in from my neighbours, both of whom had horrendous slug issues thanks to the warm wet spring... the bad year it was dry through the summer, only got wet towards the end and some of my more susceptible varieties (Salad BLue potatoes especially) were absolutely riddled....
IO'll take my cue from the weather forecasters come April I guess.... if they say it'll be a wet summer I'll use nematodes, I will put some pellets in with the potato sowing anyway, I've pretty much given up on Salad Blue, a shame cos it's a lovely potato but I have other blue-fleshed ones. I also tend to pick some of my maincrops for noted slug resistance.... the Sarpo's seem to be almost untouched usually....
Many thanks for your help guys. You've just saved me a load of money ;D
I'm really glad I asked.
I'll have to use the beer traps as the deterrent ::)
Or use Goodlife's suggestion and use the bottom of my boot :)
Many thanks again for all that replied. Your help is greatly appreciated
Take care
Ruth