Slug and Snail Damage
|
|
Slugs and snails can damage coffee trees; particularly new plantings or succulent young verticals and shoots. They damage the plants by rasping and consuming the bark and cambium.
The bark and cambium are very important to plant growth, strength, and health. The bark protects the internal workings of the plant trunk and branches. The cambium is full of actively dividing cells that either become xylem (wood) and phloem (bast) tissues which are responsible for the growth and thickness of stems and roots as well as wound healing. The xylem is important because it transports water, nutrients and plant hormones from the roots to the leaves and apex of the plant. The phloem is important because it transports sugars, amino |
acids and plant hormones basipetally from the leaves and apex of the plant toward the roots. All parts of the trunk and branch that includes the bark, xylem and phloem, provide physical support for the entire plant.
When slugs and snails eat and strip away the bark and cambium, the plant is weakened structurally. The transport of water, nutrients, sugars, amino acid, plant hormones, and other essential elements are are impeded or completely stopped. In the long run, these trees remain stunted and do not grow properly compared to healthy, undamaged trees. Removal of these stems or branches and replacement of these damaged trees is recommended.
In areas of high slug and snail populations, control is suggested prior to and during the planting of young coffee trees. Subsequent treatments may be warranted to control incipient populations.
Control and treatment options:
When slugs and snails eat and strip away the bark and cambium, the plant is weakened structurally. The transport of water, nutrients, sugars, amino acid, plant hormones, and other essential elements are are impeded or completely stopped. In the long run, these trees remain stunted and do not grow properly compared to healthy, undamaged trees. Removal of these stems or branches and replacement of these damaged trees is recommended.
In areas of high slug and snail populations, control is suggested prior to and during the planting of young coffee trees. Subsequent treatments may be warranted to control incipient populations.
Control and treatment options:
Contact website management if you require any assistance with the site or information provided.