Research reveals invasive snails are drawn to red, deterred by garlic
According to Australian research, garlic can deter an invasive snail species, while the color red has an enticing effect on them.
TroibNews 
Australian researchers have discovered that an invasive snail species can be deterred by garlic and lured by the color red.
The study, released by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on Wednesday, provided new insights into pest snails, which researchers believe could help mitigate the threat they pose to crops.
In a series of laboratory and field tests on four species of invasive snails, the research team found these pests are drawn to the color red but have an aversion to garlic, and to a lesser degree, coffee.
Valerie Caron, a Senior Research Scientist from CSIRO, noted that the snails' attraction to the color red was an unexpected finding, given that the prevailing scientific view is that gastropods are unable to perceive color.
She explained that the team's ultimate goal is to use red as a bait to trap and remove invasive snails and to utilize garlic-based repellents as protective barriers for crops.
"Garlic was most effective at preventing snails from reaching food sources under laboratory conditions. Coffee barriers offered only limited protection, especially after 24 hours, with some snails even eating the coffee grounds," Caron said in a media release.
This study is part of a 4.6 million Australian dollar (3.04 million U.S. dollar) Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) national research initiative aimed at equipping Australian farmers with innovative methods to control pest snails and lessen their impact on grain crops.
As reported by GRDC, invasive snails and slugs contaminate cereal and legume crops, causing annual damage valued at 170 million Australian dollar (112.4 million U.S. dollar).
(Cover image: White garden snails. /CFP)
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
The study, released by the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) on Wednesday, provided new insights into pest snails, which researchers believe could help mitigate the threat they pose to crops.
In a series of laboratory and field tests on four species of invasive snails, the research team found these pests are drawn to the color red but have an aversion to garlic, and to a lesser degree, coffee.
Valerie Caron, a Senior Research Scientist from CSIRO, noted that the snails' attraction to the color red was an unexpected finding, given that the prevailing scientific view is that gastropods are unable to perceive color.
She explained that the team's ultimate goal is to use red as a bait to trap and remove invasive snails and to utilize garlic-based repellents as protective barriers for crops.
"Garlic was most effective at preventing snails from reaching food sources under laboratory conditions. Coffee barriers offered only limited protection, especially after 24 hours, with some snails even eating the coffee grounds," Caron said in a media release.
This study is part of a 4.6 million Australian dollar (3.04 million U.S. dollar) Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC) national research initiative aimed at equipping Australian farmers with innovative methods to control pest snails and lessen their impact on grain crops.
As reported by GRDC, invasive snails and slugs contaminate cereal and legume crops, causing annual damage valued at 170 million Australian dollar (112.4 million U.S. dollar).
(Cover image: White garden snails. /CFP)
Lucas Dupont contributed to this report for TROIB News
