The effects of pesticides on Carabidae (Insecta Coleoptera) predators of slugs (Mollusca Gastropoda) literature review

Abstract

Predation of slugs by Carabidae may contribute significantly to slug control in an integrated approach in pasture and arable crops Carabidae are susceptible to many insecticides used in field crops and to the molluscicide methiocarb but populations tend to recover within 1 month through migration from adjacent areas However in the longterm repeated insecticide and molluscicide treatments may affect carabid numbers and diversity in agricultural habitats The effect of pesticides on carabid populations can be reduced in soils rich in organic matter and recovery enhanced by establishment of beetle refugia in conservation headlands and winter cover crops and by avoiding deep and frequent soil cultivation