Study solves puzzle of snail and slug feeding preferences

December 5, 2018 by Alan Williams, University of Plymouth

Gardeners have puzzled for years as to why some seedlings are more commonly eaten by slugs and snails—and new research suggests it may be down to the smells produced by young seedlings in the early stages of their development.

A study led by the University of Plymouth analysed the feeding preferences of hundreds of snails when presented with seedlings of 14 different grassland plant species.

Their work showed that snails were more likely to attack seedlings based on their preference for, or dislike of, naturally omitted volatile scents produced by the seedlings.

Scientists say the research, published in the journal Annals of Botany, provides us with a better understanding of the important role slugs and snails play in natural ecosystems.

The research was led by Dr. Mick Hanley, Associate Professor (Reader) in Plant-Animal Interactions, and Post-Doctoral Fellow Roger Shannon at the University of Plymouth. It also involved academics from the University of Southampton and the University of Lyon, France.

Dr. Hanley, the corresponding author for the research, said: "Slugs and snails are just as damaging to seedlings in natural habitats like grasslands as they are gardens. But we have known for many years that not all grassland species suffer the same likelihood of attack. This is important because variation in where and when terrestrial molluscs are active can have significant impacts on which species survive the vulnerable seedling stage. In effect, by removing some plant species as seedlings, slugs and snails help dictate the nature of the established vegetation."

The research builds on a previous smaller study which focused specifically on oilseed rape, and suggested that harnessing naturally occurring chemicals could be used as a means to protect crop seedlings being eaten by common pests

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