Body mass and cuticular transpiration of the pulmonate slug Milax rusticus treated with spinach homogenate filtrate

The effects of four concentrations (25, 50, 75, 100%) of spinach homogenate filtrate over a period of 96 hours on the body mass and transpiration rates of the pulmonate slug Milax rusticus, a crop pest found in Benghazi, Libya, are reported. A decrease in body mass and transpiration rate in filtrate treated slug over time was evident and the differences in these factors between control and treated slug were significant (p < 0.01). Tendencies for regaining lost weight and increase in transpiration were observed in the filtrate treated slugs during their seven days of recovery period in normal conditions. Application of spinach homogenate filtrate as a possible contact slugicide of M. rusticus is suggested.