Feeding deterrent effect of carvone, a compound from caraway seeds, on the slug Arion lusitanicus |
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Authors: | T FRANK K BIERT B SPEISER |
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Institution: | Zoological Institute, University of Bern, Baltzerstrasse 6, CH-3012 Bern, Switzerland;Research Institute of Organic Agriculture (FiBL), Ackerstrasse, CH-5070 Frick, Switzerland |
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Abstract: | The feeding deterrent effect of carvone on the slug Arion lusitanicus was investigated. Carvone, a natural compound from caraway seeds, was incorporated into mulch to reduce its inherent volatility. In a laboratory choice experiment, boxes were filled on one side with carvone‐treated mulch and on the other side with untreated mulch. At carvone concentrations ranging from 0.03–0.75 ml litre?1 mulch, slugs ate significantly more lettuce on the untreated side. In a laboratory based no‐choice experiment, carvone concentrations of 0.25 and 0.75 ml litre?1 mulch significantly reduced slug feeding in comparison with the untreated control. Moreover at the highest concentration of carvone (0.75 ml litre?1 mulch) 50% mortality was recorded over a period of 5 days, indicating a clear molluscicidal effect. Due to its volatility carvone did not decrease plant defoliation by A. lusitanicus when applied directly onto lettuce. Subsequent field evaluation showed 0.75 ml litre?1 mulch to partially reduce slug feeding damage. However, this effect was not sufficient to significantly increase lettuce yield. The incorporation of a higher carvone concentration into mulch is still to be tested to confirm whether carvone‐treated mulch can be recommended as an effective alternative approach to chemical slug control. |
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Keywords: | Antifeedant Arion lusitanicus deterrent molluscicide mulch volatility |
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