Description:
Several snail species of European origin have established in Australian cropping regions and become significant pests of grain crops. Snails attack seedling crops, resulting in plant damage, yield impacts, and losses associated with the costs of resowing and field control.
Additionally, snails can climb crop plants in spring and contaminate the grain harvest, leading to significant harvest costs, such as the need for post-harvest grain cleaning. Affected growers experience losses such as grain value downgrades and receival rejections. Snails therefore pose serious market access risks for the industry.
Mollusc management consists of an integrated, year-round approach comprising of cultural, mechanical, and chemical (baiting) methods.
Methods currently used for snail control are physical control methods prior to crop sowing (such as stubble burning, slashing, rolling, cabling and grazing), chemical control methods prior to crop harvest (such as baiting in the field with registered baits) and physical control methods at, or after, harvest (such as use of a modified header, grain cleaning).
Even when performed exceptionally well, these management strategies are not reducing mollusc pressures effectively.
The project focuses on four species of European pest snails and includes a range of inter-related activities that directly address priority areas. The range of activities is designed to provide immediate management outcomes for growers, including new tools and technologies, supported by an increased understanding of snail biology and ecology.
Funding source:
GRDC-PA
Project code:
UOA2205-005RTX