LETTUCE
	Butterhead (Boston)		Romaine (Cos)
		Ermosa (48)¹		Dark Green Cos (70)
		Nancy (52)		Green Towers (70)
		Buttercrunch (60)		Ideal Cos (75)
		Summer Bibb (65)		Parris Island Cos (76)
		Tania (65)
		Esmerelda (68)
		Dark Green Boston (75)	Leaf
				Grand Rapids (45)
	Crisphead (Iceberg)			Red Sails (45)
		Great Lakes		Tierra (46)
		Ithaca		New Red Fire (48)
		Onondaga		Sierra (red, 50)
		Raleigh		Slobolt (50)
		South Bay		Waldmann’s Green (50)

ENDIVE
		Florida Deep Heart		Green Curled Ruffle
		Full Heart Batavia		Salad King

¹Approximate days to harvest

19.2 Planting Methods

Lettuce is a cool-season crop, and high temperatures (particularly at night) in midsummer are very damaging, promoting such disorders as premature bolting, tipburn, and brown rib. Crisphead (iceberg) lettuce is especially sensitive to heat, although some new varieties are more tolerant.

Once-over harvesting is done on most large commercial acreage, so every effort must be made to promote uniform maturity. Although lettuce can be transplanted readily, most lettuce in New York is direct seeded, usually with pelleted seed in precision seeders. Irrigation immediately following seeding promotes uniform emergence. Where irrigation is not possible, deep plowing followed immediately by fitting and seeding is helpful. Rows generally are spaced about 15 inches apart, and in-row spacing is determined by variety and desired size of marketed lettuce. Uniform spacing is important for achieving uniform maturity.

Growers are encouraged to rotate lettuce with another crop whenever possible. This aids in the management of many pests that affect lettuce. Double-cropping lettuce on the same field may greatly increase problems such as Sclerotinia drop, corky root rot, root knot nematode, and virus diseases in the second planting.

19.3 Fertility

Maintain a pH of 6.0 to 6.2 on mineral soils. Consider liming if pH falls below 5.5 on muck soil. If mucks require lime for lettuce production, avoid turning up more than one inch of new muck in any one plowing. Liming to a pH higher than 5.6 is not advisable on muck. See Table 19.3.1 for the recommended rates of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.

19.4 Harvesting

Care in harvesting and handling is important for these crops since they are easily damaged. Noncrisphead varieties are more susceptible to damage during harvest and transit and therefore have a shorter shelf life than crisphead varieties. Vacuum cooling and/or contact icing to remove field heat will improve market quality and shelf life. The use of top ice when packaging acts to supply moisture and remove heat. Optimum storage conditions are 32°F and at least 95 percent relative humidity. Good air flow through and around boxes is essential.

Table 19.3.1 Recommended nutrients based on soil tests.
N pounds/acre	P₂O₅ pounds/acre			K₂O pounds/acre			Comments
	Soil Phosphorus Level			Soil Potassium Level
	low	med.	high	low	med.	high
*100 (50-100 on muck)*	*120*	80	40	*150*	*100*	50	*Total recommended*
40	90	50	0	120	70	50	Broadcast and disk-in.
30	30	30	40	30	30	50	Apply in band at planting or drill deep after plowing
30	0	0	0	0	0	0	Apply 3 weeks after thinning or setting. Not needed on muck soils.

Table 19.4.1 Nonpathogenic disorders

Disorder	Cause
Tipburn	Poor water management/calcium deficiency. Plant tipurn resistant varieties during warmer parts of growing season.
Poor stand	Thermodormancy due to soil temperatures >80F. Irrigate when seeding in hot weather.
Bolting	High night temperatures during early summer
Russetting	Ethylene exposure during postharvest

19.5 Disease Management

19.5.1 Anthracnose, Microdochium panattonianum

Time for concern: The fungus is favored by cool, wet weather, which are normal conditions for the early-spring crop.

Key characteristics: Water-soaked, circular spots first appear on the undersides of leaves. If bounded by large leaf veins, these spots may be angular in shape. Later, the lesion centers dry up and may fray or fall out giving a shot hole appearance. Lesions on the midrib begin as water-soaked spots, but become markedly sunken. The fungus survives in the soil and on crop debris. See Reference 1.

*Management Option*		*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds		Look for spots on the outermost foliage and along the midrib on the lower leaf surface. No thresholds have been established.
Resistant varieties		Anthracnose affects most lettuce varieties, as well as escarole and endive.
Irrigation		Wet weather and irrigation are conducive for spore production and dispersal. Irrigation at ground level is preferred to sprinklers. It is inadvisable to move through the crop when the foliage is wet.
Crop rotation		Minimum 1 year rotation with a nonsusceptible crop.
Seed selection/treatment		Plant disease-free seed.
Harvest		Avoid packing infected plants with healthy ones as deterioration and spread can occur.
Postharvest		The fungus survives in the soil and on crop debris. Fields should be deep plowed, and the debris should be inverted. Avoid packing infected plants with healthy ones as deterioration and spread can occur.
Site selection and Sanitation		These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)
Common name			Rate/A	PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name		Product	(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
azoxystrobin
	Quadris F		6.2-15.4 fl oz	0	4	1-3	Do not apply more than 1 sequential application of these products or other strobilurin (Group 11) before alternating with a fungicide that has a different mode of action. Do not spray these products where spray drift may reach apple trees or use same sprayer to apply sprays to apple trees.
	Amistar 80 WDG		2-5 oz	0	4	2-4
pyraclostrobin
	Cabrio EG		12-16 oz	0	12		Not for aerial application in NYS. Do not make more than 2 sequential applications before alternating to a fungicide with a different mode of action (other than group 11).

19.5.2 Botrytis gray mold, Botrytis cinerea

Time for concern: Under humid conditions in either greenhouse or plant bed locations 

Key characteristics: Brownish to black water-soaked lesions develop on leaf margins of outerleaves. Profuse gray-brown conidia develop and may be followed with black resting bodies (sclerotia). See Reference 1.

*Management Option*			*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds			Record the occurrence and severity of Botrytis gray mold. No thresholds have been established.
Resistant varieties			No resistant varieties are available.
Crop rotation			Rotation is important to minimize crop residues and survival of sclerotia.
Sanitation			Strict hygiene is essential in plant bed and greenhouse settings.
Site selection, Seed selection/treatment, and Postharvest			These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A		PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product		(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
boscalid
	Endura DF	8-11 oz		14	12	15-21	For both head and leaf lettuce. Do not make more than 2 applications of Endura (Group 7) per crop per season.
dicloran
	Botran 75-W 0.75 lb/lb	2.66 lb		14	12	72	For use on leaf lettuce only.

19.5.3 Bottom rot, Rhizoctonia solani

Time for concern: Under favorable temperature and moisture conditions, this disease can appear as early as four weeks after direct seeding or as advanced symptoms at heading.

Key characteristics: Bottom rot initially appears as small, rust-colored spots on the underside of midribs in direct contact with the soil. Wilting of outer wrapper leaves is often the first symptom observed. Bottom rot may be confused with lettuce drop and gray mold. See Reference 1.

*Management Option*	*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds	Record the occurrence and severity of bottom rot. No thresholds have been established.
Resistant varieties	No resistant varieties are available.
Crop rotation	Minimum three year rotation away from lettuce and endive.
Raised beds	Planting on raised beds will allow better air circulation and will reduce disease incidence.
Site selection, Seed selection/treatment, Post-harvest, and Sanitation	These are not currently viable management options.

Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A	PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product	(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
azoxystrobin
	Quadris F	0.4-0.8 fl oz per 1,000 row feet	0	4	<1	See warning about mixing Quadris and Amistar with certain insecticides and spray wetters. Do not spray these products where spray drift may reach apple trees or use same sprayer to apply sprays to apple trees.
	Amistar 80 WDG	0.125-0.25 oz per 1,000 row feet	0	4	1
boscalid
	Endura DF	8-11 oz	14	12	15-21	For suppression of bottom rot of head and leaf lettuce. Do not make more than 2 applications of Endura (Group 7) per season.
iprodione
	Rovral 50W 0.5 lb/lb	1.5-2 lb	14	24	8-11	Thorough coverage is essential for effective disease control. Apply 1 week after transplanting or thinning and 10-20 days later if required.

19.5.4 Damping-off, Pythium spp

Time for concern: The disease is most common when excessive moisture occurs, soils are poorly drained, and the temperatures are unfavorable for seed germination and rapid lettuce/endive growth.

Key characteristics: Disease can be expressed as seed decay and pre- and postemergence damping-off of roots (hypocotyl) and stems of young plants, leading to plant collapse and death. See Reference 1.

*Management Option*			*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds			Record the occurrence and severity of damping-off. No thresholds have been established.
Resistant varieties			No resistant varieties are available.
Site selection			Avoid compacted or poorly drained soils.
Seed selection/treatment			Seed treated with the appropriate fungicide for Pythiacious fungi may protect seeds.
Crop rotation, Postharvest, and Sanitation			These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s) Common name		Rate/A		PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product		(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
mefenoxam
	Ridomil Gold EC or OLF	1-2 pt		21	48	14-28	May be applied as a broadcast or banded application.
	Ridomil Gold GR	20-40 lb		0	48	15-29
propamocarb
	*Previcur Flex	see label		2	12		For greenhouse use only on leaf lettuce for prevention of root rot and damping-off caused by Pythium spp. and Phytophthora spp.

19.5.5 Downy mildew, Bremia lactucae

Time for concern: Downy mildew can be a major disease in field and greenhouse settings, and plants are susceptible at all stages of plant growth.

Key characteristics: Young downy mildew lesions are light green or chlorotic, and turn yellow or brown with the onset of sporulation. Lesions are angular and delineated by large veins. Sporangia (spores) appear primarily on the undersides of leaves. See Reference 1.

*Management Option*			*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds			Spray every seven to ten days when disease appears.
Resistant varieties			Breeding resistant varieties is a continuing task since the fungus readily produces new races.
Fungicide use			Because of the high variability of fungus, insensitivity to the systemic fungicide metalaxyl (mefenoxam) is widespread.
Crop rotation, Site selection, Seed selection/ treatment, Postharvest, and Sanitation			These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A		PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product		(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
azoxystrobin
	Quadris F	12.3-15.4 fl oz		0	4	3	Do not apply more than 1 application of these products before alternating with a fungicide that has a different mode of action (other than Group 11). See comments below for maneb/mancozeb program. Do not spray these products where spray drift may reach apple trees or use same sprayer to apply sprays to apple trees.
	Amistar 80 WDG	4-5 oz		0	4	3-4
dimethomorph
	Acrobat 50 WP, Forum SC	6.4 oz, 6.0 oz		0	12	5 4	For head and leaf lettuce. Acrobat or Forum (Group 15) must be tank-mixed with appropriate protectant fungicide. Do not make more than 2 sequential applications before alternating to another effective fungicide with a different mode of action.
famoxadone + cymoxanil
	Tanos 50 DF	8 oz		3	12	5	For head lettuce. Tanos (Groups 11 + 27) must be tank-mix with appropriate protectant fungicide. Do not make more than 1 application before alternating with a fungicide with a different mode of action (other than Group 11).
fenamidone
	*†Reason 500 SC	5.5-8.2 fl oz		2	12	3-4	Not for use or sale in Nassau or Suffolk Cos. For use on head and leaf lettuce. For optimal results, begin Reason (Group 11) applications as soon as environmental conditions become favorable for disease development. Do not make more than 1 application before alternating with a fungicide with a different mode of action.
fosetyl-Al
	Aliette WDG 0.8 lb/lb	2-5 lb		3	12	18-45	Remove residues from head lettuce by stripping and trimming.

Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A	PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product	(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
maneb
	Maneb 75 DF 0.75 lb/lb	1.5-2 lb	10	24	24-32	Remove residues from head lettuce by stripping and trimming.
	Manex 4 lb/gal	1.2-1.6 qt	10	24	19-25
propamocarb
	*Previcur Flex	2 pt	2	12	29	Should be tank mixed with another fungicide registered for downy mildew control and use a minimum of 1.33 pt/A.
pyraclostrobin
	Cabrio EG	16 oz	0	12	6	Not for aerial application in NYS. For head and leaf lettuce. Do not make more than 2 sequential applications of Cabrio (Group 11) before alternating to a fungicide with a different mode of action.
*Restricted use.

19.5.6 Drop, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, S. minor

Time for concern: The fungus is favored by warm, wet conditions and is primarily noticed at or near crop maturity.

Key characteristics: The fungus attacks the outer leaves in contact with the soil, and wilting of these leaves is the initial symptom. Infection progresses inwardly until the entire plant wilts. Look for soft watery decay, snowy white mycelium, and seed-size black sclerotia (mustard seed for S.M. or pea seed for S.S.). See Reference 1.

*Management Option*			*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds			Record the occurrence and severity of drop. No thresholds have been established.
Resistant varieties			No resistant varieties are available.
Crop rotation			Minimum three year rotation with nonhosts such as grains is helpful where practical.
Site selection, Seed selection/treatment, Postharvest, & Sanitation			These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A		PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product		(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
boscalid
	Endura DF	8-11 oz		14	12	15-21	For head and leaf lettuce. Do not make more than 2 applications of Endura (Group 7) per season.
Coniothyrium minitans
	Contans WG	2-4 lb/ 50-100 gal water		0	4		This biological fungicide has been tested in some states; however, limited information is available on effectiveness in our region. Apply 3 to 4 months prior to the onset of disease to allow the active agent to reduce inoculum levels of sclerotia in soil. Following application, incorporate to a depth of 1 to 2 inches but do not plow before seeding lettuce crops to avoid untreated sclerotia in lower soil layers from infesting the upper soil level.

Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A	PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product	(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
dicloran
	Botran 75 W 0.75 lb/lb	2-3.33 lb	14	12	54-90

iprodione
	Rovral 50W 0.5 lb/lb	1.5-2 lb	14	24	8-11	Up to 3 applications may be made. Thorough coverage is essential for effective disease control. Do not disturb the soil after treatment.

19.5.7 Northern root-knot nematode, Meloidogyne hapla

Time for concern: Seedling through harvest but control measures are only effective before or at planting

Key characteristics: Observing root galls (spherical or beadlike) is the best way to detect root-knot nematodes in the field. Severely infected plants are stunted and exhibit wilting in midday, especially during hot and sunny days.

*Management Option*			*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds			Record the occurrence and severity of root-knot nematode infection on roots. Damage threshold to lettuce is 2 eggs/cc of organic soil.
Resistant varieties			No resistant varieties are available.
Crop rotation			Rotate with a grain crop to reduce nematode density and damage. Green manure of Trudan 8, a Sudan grass hybrid has been found effective against this nematode, as well as selections of white clover and flax. Crucifer green manures are also effective.
Postharvest			Fumigation in the fall when soil temperatures are still warm is effective in controlling this nematode.
Site selection, Seed selection/treatment, and Sanitation			These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A		PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product		(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
metam sodium
	Vapam HL	25 gal		0			Rate given is for muck soil. To achieve successful control, follow label recommendations as to soil preparation, depth of injection, soil temperature, and moisture.

19.5.8 Lettuce mosaic virus (LMV) transmitted by aphids

Time for concern: Entire season, from seeding to production of overlapping plantings

Key characteristics: The seedborne "mother" plants show early mosaic symptoms, stunting, and lack of development. Secondary infected plants show mosaic, leaf puckering, and deep or accentuated serration of the leaf margins. Endive heads may be stunted, but generally only show mild symptoms. See References 1 and 2.

*Management Option*	*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds	Record the occurrence and severity of LMV. No thresholds are available.
Resistant varieties	Plant resistant varieties. See Section 20.1 Recommended Varieties.
Seed selection/treatment	LMV is seedborne in all lettuce types, but not in endive. Purchase lettuce seed designated mosaic tolerance zero (MTO) or zero infected seeds in 30,000.
Crop rotation, Site selection, Seed selection/ treatment, Postharvest, and Sanitation	These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)	No pesticides are available to manage LMV.

19.5.9 Cucumber mosaic virus (CMV) transmitted by aphids

Time for concern: Early aphid flights (May through June) carry inoculum into the susceptible crop, and subsequent spread may occur during the course of the season.

Key characteristics: This mosaic is more intense than LMV. Veinal browning and necrosis occurs when temperatures are in the mid-50's or lower. See References 1 and 2.

*Management Option*	*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds	Record the occurrence and severity of CMV. No thresholds have been established.
Resistant varieties	No resistant varieties are available.
Site selection	Make the earliest planting downwind from weedy border areas, so that older lettuce plantings do not serve as reservoirs of virus for subsequently planted crops.
Sanitation	Eliminate weed hosts. Perennial weed sources for CMV include common milkweed, marshcress, and yellow rocket.
Crop rotation, Seed selection/treatment, and Postharvest	These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)	No pesticides are available to manage CMV.

19.5.10 Broadbean wilt virus (BBWV) transmitted by aphids

Time for concern: Early aphid flights (May through June) carry inoculum into the susceptible crop, and subsequent spread may occur during the course of the season. 

Key characteristics: Symptoms are similar to those of LMV and CMV, but with low field temperatures, the infected plants develop severe veinal necrosis. See References 1 and 2.

*Management Option*	*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds	Record the occurrence and severity of BBWV. No thresholds are available.
Resistant varieties	Some varieties are highly susceptible. Check with your local extension agent for a list of susceptible varieties.
Sanitation	Eliminate weed hosts. Weed sources for BBWV are broadleaf plantain and buckhorn plantain, both of which are perennials.
Crop rotation, Site selection, Seed selection/treatment, and Postharvest	These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)	No pesticides are available to manage BBWV.

19.5.11 Aster yellows (AY) phytoplasma transmitted by aster leafhoppers

Time for concern: June through September; the occurrence of AY follows the migration pattern of leafhoppers. Leafhoppers can remain infectious for 100 days.

Key characteristics: The disease results in strikingly yellowed and stunted plants, which are unmarketable. See Reference 1.

*Management Option*	*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds	Record the occurrence and severity of aster yellows. No thresholds have been established.
Resistant varieties	No resistant varieties are available.
Crop rotation, Site selection, Seed selection/ treatment, Postharvest, & Sanitation	These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)	Management of AY depends on reducing the aster leafhopper population which migrates into lettuce fields about mid-June.

19.6 Insect Management

19.6.1 Aster leafhopper, Macrosteles quadrilineatus, transmits the pathogen for aster yellows disease

Time for concern: Mid-June through the end of the growing season

Key characteristics: This insect overwinters on wild and cultivated grasses.

*Management Option*			*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds			Begin treatment when the lettuce is 1/2 inch high or when the first leafhoppers are observed.
Resistant varieties			No resistant varieties are available.
Crop rotation			Crop rotation is ineffective due to the leafhopper's migratory capabilities.
Postharvest			Destroy all lettuce plants in the field immediately after harvest.
Sanitation			Where possible, mow headlands around fields.
Site selection, Seed selection/treatment, and Natural enemies			These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A		PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product		(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
acephate
	Orthene 97 0.97 lb/lb	0.5-1.0 lb		21	24	11-23	For crisphead lettuce only. Four or 5 applications at 7 day intervals are usually necessary. Apply in low gallonage sprays (35-40 gal/A).
cypermethrin
	*Ammo 2.5 EC 2.5 lb/gal	2.5-5 fl oz		5	12	1-3	For crisphead lettuce only. Four or 5 applications at 7 day intervals are usually necessary. Apply in low gallonage sprays (35-40 gal/A).
dimethoate
	Dimethoate 400 4 lb/gal	0.5 pt		14	48	16	Provides only fair control.

Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A	PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product	(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
disulfoton
	*Di-Syston 8 8 lb/gal	1-2 pt /1000 ft of row @ 20-inch spacing	60	48
imidacloprid
	*Admire Pro 4.6 lbs/gal	4.4-10.5 fl oz	21	12	4-10
lambda-cyhalothrin
	*Warrior 1 lb/gal	2.56-3.84 fl oz	1	24	<1-1
methomyl
	*Lannate LV 2.4 lb/gal	1-1.67 pt	7 to 10	48	10-15	PHI is 7 days for rates up to 1.5 pt; PHI is 10 days for rates above 1.5 pt.
zeta-cypermethrin
	*Mustang MAX 0.8 lb/gal	2.24-4.0 fl oz	5	12	<1	Head lettuce only
*Restricted use only.

19.6.2 Aphids, primarily the green peach aphid, Myzus persicae

Time for concern: Mid-July through the end of the growing season

Key characteristics: Green peach adult aphids can be green, pink, red, or dark brown. They range in length from 1/32 to 1/16 inch. Aphids may buildup on plants and transmit viruses.

*Management Option*			*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds			Record the occurrence and severity of an aphid infestation. No thresholds have been established.
Natural enemies			Natural enemies help control aphid populations. They can be preserved using pesticides that are less harmful to them. Use Reference 3 or www.nysaes.cornell.edu/ent/biocontrol/ for identification of natural enemies.
Note(s)			New York State lettuce entering the export market must be kept clean of aphids through the use of aphicides. Even the best aphicide will not reduce the spread of mosaic viruses transmitted by aphids from sources outside of the field.
Resistant varieties			No resistant varieties are available.
Postharvest			Destroy all lettuce plants in the field immediately after harvest.
Crop rotation, Site selection, and Sanitation			These are not currently viable management options.
Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A		PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product		(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
acephate
	Orthene 97 0.97 lb/lb	0.5-1.0 lb		21	24	11-23	For use on crisphead lettuce only. Do not apply after the first head begins to form. Do not feed trimmings to livestock or allow animals to graze on treated areas.
acetamiprid
	Assail 30SG 0.3 lb/lb	2.0-4.0 oz		7	12	1-2
Compound(s)
Common name		Rate/A		PHI	REI	Field
	Trade name	Product		(days)	(hours)	Use EIQ	Comments
dimethoate
	Dimethoate 400 4 lb/gal	0.5 pt		14	48	16	Provides only fair control.
disulfoton
	*Di-Syston 8 8 lb/gal	1-2 pt/1000 ft. of row @ 20-inch spacing		60	48
imidacloprid
	*Admire Pro 4.6 lbs/gal	4.4-10.5 fl oz		21	12	4-10
	*Provado 1.6F 1.6 lb/gal	3.75 fl oz		7	12	2	Do not apply >18.75 fl oz per year.
methomyl
	*Lannate LV 2.4 lb/gal	1-1.67 pt		7 to 10	48	10-15	PHI is 7 days for rates up to 1.5 pt; PHI is 10 days for rates above 1.5 pt.
oxydemeton-methyl
	*MSR 2 lb/gal	1 qt		21	48	38	For use on crisphead lettuce only. Not more than 3 applications per season.
pymetrozine
	Fulfill 0.5lb/lb	2.75 oz		7	12	24	Apply when aphids first appear but before populations build to damaging levels. Do not exceed 5.5 oz/A per season. Allow 7 days between applications.
*Restricted use only.

19.6.3 Slugs

Time of concern: Early spring and fall

Key characteristics: Adult slugs are between one and two inches in length. Slugs can overwinter at any stage of development. Although slugs cannot survive prolonged subzero temperatures or desiccation, the burrows of small mammals and worms provide insulation. Slugs begin to move, hatch, feed, and lay eggs in the spring when temperatures are consistently above 40°F. There is often little or no slug activity in the field during periods of dry weather; however, there may be extensive feeding in damp areas.

*Management Option*	*Recommendation*
Scouting/thresholds	Record the occurrence and severity of slug damage. No thresholds have been established.
Resistant varieties	No resistant varieties are available.
Site selection/planting, Crop rotation, Post-harvest, and Sanitation	Practices that help dry the soil surface (e.g. conventional tillage and good weed control) will reduce slug populations.	</

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