| Arable
Placebo slug pellet released for spreader testing
and calibration
Users of metaldehyde slug pellets will be able to test and calibrate machines without needing to observe application
guidelines or buffer zones following the introduction of a placebo pellet.
e Sangosse, the European
leader in slug pellets, has
developed the dummy pellet in
response to the need to test all
applicators this year.
“Metaldehyde is the most
commonly used molluscicide, but using live
bait for anything other than slug control
purposes is unwise. The industry needs to take
all reasonable steps to protest this vital
molluscicide for future use,” says Simon
McMunn, De Sangosse Commercial Manager.
The placebo will be identical to De
Sangosse’s premium pellet, TDS, but with one
exception, it will not contain any active
ingredient.
D
“It is the perfect dummy pellet. Everything
about it will mirror that of TDS, but it will not
contain any metaldehyde or ferric phosphate.
To avoid confusion on farm, the bags will be
clearly labelled with ‘placebo’ and it will be sold
in smaller bags to reflect the limited amount
needed for calibration and demonstration
purposes,” he adds.
The introduction of a placebo pellet was
welcomed by Duncan Russell, Manager of
National Sprayer Testing Scheme, who said it
would “help to ensure the industry is where it
needs to be in the view of regulators”.
“We are required to t