Dinámica poblacional de la babosa, Vaginulus plebeius (Stylomenatophora: veronicellidae) en lotes de maíz - frijol en relevo

Abstract

High numbers of bean slugs. Vaginulus plebeius, were found in simulated small farmers" maize-bean plots which hack highly organic soil, abundance of broadleafed weeds, an were located near streams. Popilation densities of the slug increased slighty during the first 10 weeks of maize growth, then explosively during weeks 11 to 14. Preparation of the plots for sowing of beans during week 17 reduced slug populations. The use of pitfall traps allowed prediction of the relative intensity of attack in the plots up to 10 weeks in advance. One generation of the bean slug requires approximately 25 months under field conditions.