Molluscicides

i2LResearch Ltd has a wealth of experience in product development and efficacy evaluation of molluscicides and behaviour-modifying compounds. The company is a UK CRD Officially Recognised Testing Organisation, performing efficacy trials to GEP and in accordance with Commission Directive 93/71/EEC. We have a controlled laboratory, semi-field and field trial capability and offer a fast, accurate, competitive and confidential service under a wide range of environmental conditions.

Laboratory studies

We have dedicated laboratory space comprising of Controlled Temperature cabinets available for:

• Molluscicidal activity testing
• Relative palatability testing of bait formulations
• Leaf disc studies to assess antifeedant activity of foliar applications
• Olfaction studies to compare  attraction/repellency of formulations
• LD50 evaluation
• Relative toxicity testing
• Initial acceptability – duration of first meal, number of different meals etc.
• Re-formulation studies

Semi-field studies

We have over 350 caged arenas for semi-field studies. These are available for:

• Product efficacy (molluscicidal potential and level of crop protection provided)
• Product integrity
• Product longevity

Our caged arena studies can be used in support of our field trial data packages.

Field studies

We have a range of field sites covering different geographic locations. Sites are available for all both agricultural and horticultural crops. All field tests are performed in accordance with relevant EPPO and CRD efficacy guidelines.

Mollusc Centre of Expertise

In a joint venture between i2LNorthEast and Newcastle University a Mollusc Centre of Expertise has been established to promote pioneering research and development into the biology and behaviour of molluscs and the control of mollusc pests. The Centre is led by Dr Catherine Whaley and Dr Gordon Port, both internationally recognised experts in the field of slug biology, behaviour and control. i2LResearch and Newcastle University have a long standing alliance and the Mollusc Centre of Expertise enables them to combine their expertise to undertake innovative research and training.

The range of activities encompassed by the Centre is briefly described below:

• Mollusc senses
  • attractants
  • repellents
  • arrestants
• Mollusc feeding
  • plant preferences
  • food acceptance
• Mollusc activity
  • recording nocturnal activity
  • effects of weather and environmental conditions
• Mollusc growth
  • survival analysis
  • growth curves
• Mollusc reproduction
  • rates of egg production
  • percentage viability

Slug species including Deroceras reticulatum, Arion distinctus, Arion fasciatus, Tandonia budapestensis and Arion lusitanicus (vulgaris) and snail species including Helix aspersa, Cepea spp and the strawberry snail Trichia striolata

Contact Dr Catherine Whaley for further information.