The grey garden slug (Deroceras reticulatum) is considered the most damaging slug pest in agriculture. Neuropeptides and their corresponding receptors have been proposed as promising biological targets for the development of new pest management strategies. A number of bioactive peptides were identified from the slug and screened using G protein-coupled receptors (GPCRs) expressed in an insect cell system. Twenty-three bioactive peptides were evaluated in various choice tests against the slug and found to have adverse effects, including reduction in body weight and inhibition of feeding activity. The bioactive peptide formulated with a lipid particle demonstrated a feeding deterrent effect. The findings represent the first evidence of a bioactive peptide having detrimental effects on the slug pest and provide insights into the potential development of slug management strategies in the field.
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