Occurrence and density of slug (Filicaulis alte) in relation to edaphic factors in vegetable fields, Punjab

A study was conducted to determine the slug abundance in relation to edaphic factors and pesticide spray in vegetable fields and to monitor the effect of bait containing casein powder on slug trapping. More slugs were trapped under earthen pots with wheat bran bait in choice, with bait containing 4% casein powder at Kaddon village under moist and damp conditions as compared to Doraha village vegetable fields. Slugs were active from mid February to mid November and remained in hibernation during rest of the year. The maximum slug density was recorded during third week of August. It was 3.33 ± 0.66 slugs m⁻² (with casein) and 3.00 ± 1.00 slugs m⁻² (without casein) during first week of September. Slugs preferred sandy clay loamy alkaline soil with high range of organic matter, nitrogen, potassium and phosphorus along with lower bulk density and higher porosity.