Author: Raul Villanueva
Planning Unit: Entomology
Major Program: Grains
Outcome: Intermediate Outcome
My program has been conducting studies in soybeans since 2017. Previously, mollusk attacks were very rare, but they have become more frequent and destructive in recent years. For mollusks (snails and slugs) the metaldehyde poison pelleted baits is used anywhere else in the U.S. however, it was not registered in KY. In 2023, a request by soybean growers to register this pesticide was completed to get the registration of two metaldehyde compounds. These two molluscicide were registered under the EPA 24(c) section for management of snails and slugs on soybeans. One is a pelleted-bait (Deadline® M-PS) and the second a sprayable (Slugfest®) compound. These two products can be used in 2024 to reduce damages or economic losses that may be caused by mollusks in KY. This was a joint effort of the growers, the industry, the Kentucky Department of Agriculture, and the University of Kentucky (my program provided results of previous studies conducted in KY and letters of support to KDA).
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