Studies on feeding rates of the •slug laevicaulis alte on different agro-vegetal types.

The present experiments aimed at determining the ingestion rates of the slug L. alte on different vegetal types. The feeding rate of L. alte on green lettuce (Lactuca sativa) was the greatest in comparison with those on collard green (Brassica oleracea), cabbage (Brassica aleracea), amaranth (Amaranthus viridis), cucumber (Cucurbita maxima) and Chinese lettuce (Brassica rapa) in that order of decreasing feeding intensity. The morphs however, did not indicate significant difference in feeding rates. L. alte cannot be considered to be an important agricultural pest, it's ingestion rate is only 0.7996 gram per slug per day, an amount that is too low in comparison with those of reknowned agropest gastropods, Achatina fulica, Agriolimax reticulatus, Anion hortensis and Helix pomatia.