SlugBot: Autonomous Slug Monitoring and Bio-molluscicide Treatment System

The proposed project is a feasibility study to develop an innovative game-changing technology for autonomous slug monitoring and precision bio-molluscicide treatment system. Slugs are major pests in agricultural and horticultural crops, with current methods for control relying on chemical molluscicide pellets, containing either metaldehyde or Iron (Ferric) phosphate. Bio-molluscicides are also available as nematode based products, but these are not economical for use in arable and oilseed rape crops. Therefore, there has been an over reliance of metaldehyde which has led to a negative impact on UK water systems, as well as on non-target organisms. This has initiated a push to promote slug monitoring, however current methods are laboursome with many farmers not partaking in this key practice. Therefore, there continues to be unnecessary applications of chemical molluscicides leading to a market demand for an autonomous slug monitoring system, with data generated for the cost-effective precision treatment with bio-molluscicides.

The outputs of the project have the potential to have a significantly impact on the UK economy by helping farms achieve increased yields through enhanced slug monitoring and control. The project also brings environmental benefits by opening a wider market for bio-molluscicides, thus reducing the reliance of metaldehyde. The project is initially targeted to the UK arable and oilseed rape market, with the aim of taking the technology international.