Vaginulidae in Central America, with emphasis on the bean slug Sarasinula plebeia (Fischer).

Abstract

The history of vaginulid (slugs belonging to the Vaginulidae) infestation in Central America; morphology of Belocaulus angustipes, Diplosolenodes occidentalis, Leidyula moreleti and Sarasinula plebeia (four of the major species of vaginulids in Central America); importance of S. plebeia as a major pest of bean, ornamental and horticultural crops; medical importance of S. plebeia and other vaginulids; geographical distribution, reproductive biology, and feeding behaviour and preferences of S. plebeia; absolute and relative sampling methods for the determination of S. plebeia population in Central America and for the development of economic thresholds of infestation; biological, chemical and cultural control of S. plebeia; and the implementation of an integrated pest management programme in Honduras are discussed in this chapter.