Tom Ashfield and a multidisciplinary team have been looking at using multispectral imaging to detect slugs in fields. At the moment only really 2 tools available for slug control in agriculture: slug pellets (ferric) and nematodes, which are too expensive to make economic sense in arable crops. By getting more precise data about here the slugs are, you can target the areas with high slug density. As a result, the amount of product (molluscicide/nematodes) can be reduced, with economic and environmental benefits.

#AAB_IPPM #SlugControl #MultispectralImaging

Swansea firm wins £650k grant to develop eco‑friendly slug killer

Bionema Group Ltd, a spin‑out from Swansea University, has secured a £650,000 grant from Innovate UK to create the world’s first biological slug control product that works both on the ground and inside plants.

Slugs and snails cause more than £100 million in crop losses every year in the UK, hitting farmers growing cereals, potatoes and oilseed rape.

Bionema’s new product uses natural compounds called Lolines, found in certain grasses. These will be used in two ways:

• Pellets that attract and kill slugs and snails.
• Systemic protection, where the Lolines are absorbed into the plant, making it resistant from the inside.

Unlike chemical slug pellets, which can harm wildlife and pollute the environment, Bionema’s version is designed to be non‑toxic, biodegradable and even capable of capturing carbon.

Dr Minshad Ansari, Bionema’s founder and chief executive, said:

“This funding will help us replace polluting chemical pesticides with safe, effective biological alternatives. Our new product will protect crops, improve yields and support more sustainable farming.”

The project will run for 18 months and involves partners including Swansea University, Eurofins Agrotesting UK and Applied Insect Science. Field trials will take place across the UK, with the aim of getting regulatory approval.

If successful, the company believes the product could be worth £50 million in the UK and £100 million worldwide by 2035.

#Business #Environment #slugControl #slugs #Swansea #SwanseaUniversity

Need extra slug deterrents this year? Plan a pond in your veggie garden with VegPlotter! Frogs and toads are natural slug hunters, and a pond invites them in. Plus, it boosts biodiversity and adds charm to your garden. 🐸🌱 #GardeningTips #SlugControl #VegPlotter #GardenPlanner