Molluschi terrestri, conoscerli per un efficace controllo.

[Autom. eng. transl.] Terrestrial molluscs (snails and slugs) can be responsible for attacks on plants grown in open fields, vegetable gardens, gardens and greenhouses, often causing serious damage. They can also carry pathogens and parasites for the plants themselves, for pets and for humans. This contribution presents an examination of the general morphology, biology, harmfulness and control practices of terrestrial molluscs, with particular reference to slugs, by virtue of their economic importance in the agricultural context, especially in cool and humid microclimates. The control of snails and slugs can be carried out with agronomic defense methods (e.g. land arrangement, cultivation succession, mulching, weed control), physical (e.g. manual harvesting, use of barriers, traps and shelters for harvesting ), chemical (in particular molluscicides, applied in granular baits) and biological (natural antagonists), to be used distinguishing the particularities of each situation and according to integrated management criteria. The identification of species and knowledge of their biological cycle, related to the environmental context in which they operate, and the preventive performance of regular and effective periodic monitoring must be the basis of good practices for the control of snails and slugs. The working of the land, the cultivation choices, the maintenance and conservation of natural spaces can greatly influence the extent of the damage or even the mere presence of weed molluscs.