SNULEX: A SEMIOCHEMICAL LURE AND PHAGOSTIMULANT ENHANCED NOVEL BAIT FOR CONTROLLING SNAILS AND SLUGS

The overall goal of this program is to develop attract and kill technologies capable of drawing pests towards a toxic bait and the development of a feeding stimulant blend which could further enhance (trapping and bait efficacy for gastropods). With the help of a semiochemical lure (a blend of long distance and short distance attractants) and phagostimulants, we aim to reduce the bait application rate by 40%. To validate the technical feasibility of the proposed research to develop a 'novel enhanced bait', the Apex bait team will have three major objectives- 1. Develop a semiochemical lure by reconstructing the odor from food sources and create a phagostimulant blend. 2. Optimize the lure and phagostimulant blend composition's ability to compete with alternative food sources available in the environment. 3. Optimize the efficient delivery of the novel lure and phagostimulant in a toxic bait.