A BIOASSAY FOR SCREENING MATERIALS INFLUENCING FEEDING IN THE FIELD SLUG DEROCERAS-RETICULATUM (MULLER) (MOLLUSCA, PULMONATA)

Test materials were incorporated in wheat flour pellets to measure the ir effect on slug feeding. The dry weights of individual pellets were measured before and after exposure for 24 h to starved slugs. The meth od gave consistent results, and can accommodate test materials with di fferent physical properties. The phagostimulant effect of sucrose was confirmed. An extract of the herb tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus) was the most effective antifeedant of the materials used at the concentra tions tested. The method is compared with other published techniques.