Understanding the hormonal physiology of reproduction in slugs as a basis for potential novel control methods

Abstract

The overall scientific aim of the project was to investigate the physiology and biochemistry of terrestrial molluscan endocrine systems regulating development (including the processes of protandry, courtship and mating behaviour) in order to evaluate their potential as slug pest management targets. There were two major scientific objectives:

i) the investigation of the endogenous hormones and neuropeptides that participate in the endocrine control of reproduction and development in terrestrial pulmonate gastropods with the view to identifying potentially effective and precise targets for the development of novel molluscicides, and
ii) the exploration of the potential of specific peptides as novel slug control methods and devising novel effective delivery systems for them.

The key-results from the project (described in detail under the Summary and the Technical Detail sections that follow) were promising, as:

i) the project highlighted certain molecules as potential candidates for the development of novel pest slug control agents, and
ii) it explored further for effective and inexpensive delivery systems for such novel control methods in the field.