Slug and Snail (Mariaellae dussumieri, Crytozona (Xestina) bistralis.)

Symptoms

• They feed on latex by tearing tender leaves and buds.
• Affected buds stop growing, and side shoots appear, giving a bunchy look.
• Slugs also drink latex from the tapping cut and collection cup.
• Nursery seedlings are more vulnerable.

Management

• Keep the field clean.
• Handpick snails and dip them in hot water or salt solution.
• Sprinkle salt over wet gunny bags placed in shady areas near the orchard.
• Use heaps of leaves to trap snails.
• Spread lime and wood ash to keep snails away.
• Apply 10% Bordeaux paste around the stem (30 cm above the bud union) to repel slugs and snails.
• For severe attacks, apply poison bait Metaldehyde 2.5 DP.