Ahead of the first oilseed rape crops being drilled, BASIS-qualified growers and advisers can sharpen their slug control skills with a new online training module worth 2 CPD points.
Certis Belchim’s Kate Downes said there are plenty of research projects aiming to innovate in slug control, but for now core integrated pest management (IPM) principles are key to successful management of the pest.
To help reinforce these core principles, Certis Belchim have teamed up with BASIS to offer the new Integrated Slug Control and Slug Pellet Application training module.
“The course covers important background information such as key species, the slug’s lifecycle, and where and when risk of damage to various arable crops might occur.
“It also explains differences in ferric phosphate slug pellet formulations and sizes and why pellet choice is important both for efficacy and accuracy of application,” explained Kate.
Certis Belchim technical expert Harry Raley said that application of slug pellets is not taken as seriously as it should be on many farms, and the module offers some important advice on doing it correctly.
This includes knowing the ballistic limits of the various pellet products and the spread width capability of the farm’s applicator and not trying to push beyond what t.
It also highlights the need for regular testing – ideally ahead of each main application period – and calibration, which should be carried out every time different pellet product is used.
“An example would be moving from a ‘mini’ like Menorexx to a standard sized product like Sluxx HP.
“Using Certis Belchim’s Calibration Wizard online tool, this is a quick and easy process, as operators can simply type in the applicator model, product and target spread width and rate.
“It then gives you the right disc speed, aperture setting and appropriate forward speed to apply the product accurately,” said Harry.
The course is now live and can be found by logging in to the BASIS Classroom dashboard and viewing featured courses.
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