Hunting for effective slug predators and parasites in the Eastern US

Slugs (Deroceras reticulatum and D. laeve) are serious pests of no-till corn and soybean, where conservation agriculture practices such as reduced soil disturbance and increased ground cover can favor slug populations, while also presenting an opportunity to promote biological control. We have been exploring the species identities and predation/parasitism potential of ground beetles and slug-associated nematodes in no-till fields throughout the Delmarva Peninsula, using a combination of molecular gut content analysis and parasitism bioassays. We present findings from the last few years and discuss next steps to promote natural suppression of slugs in no-till farms.