Slugs can cause significant damage to poinsettias grown in greenhouse environments, particularly when plants are placed at ground level, leading to unsightly slime trails and irregular feeding damage on leaves and bracts, which can reduce the overall quality and marketability of the crop.

Slugs can become a significant pest in poinsettia production, especially in greenhouse environments where plants are grown at ground level. The moist and humid conditions, combined with the dense canopy of poinsettias, create an ideal habitat for slugs to thrive. These pests are especially problematic during the fall and winter months as cooler temperatures and higher humidity levels favor slug activity. Slugs feed on the leaves and bracts of poinsettias, leaving behind unsightly damage that can reduce the marketability of the crop. If left unmanaged, slug infestations can lead to significant economic losses for growers.

Identification and damage
Slugs are soft-bodied, slimy mollusks that are most active at night or during periods of high humidity. They hide during the day in dark, moist areas such as under containers, benches, or debris on the greenhouse floor. The signs and symptoms caused by slugs is often easy to identify.

Silvery slime trails: These trails are left behind as slugs move across plant surfaces. These trails are a clear indicator of slug presence.

Translucent eggs: Inspect root balls for translucent to white egg clusters.

Irregular holes: Slugs feed by rasping plant tissue with their mouthparts, leaving irregularly shaped holes in leaves and bracts. This damage is often concentrated on young growth.

Defoliation: In severe infestations, slugs can consume large portions of leaves or even defoliate entire plants.

Source: www.floraldaily.com