2011 Annual Report 1a.Objectives (from AD-416) To identify safe, effective treatments for controlling the eggs of slugs and snails using drenches of aqueous solutions of essential oils applied to potted plants. 1b.Approach (from AD-416) Bioassays will be conducted in Hawaii and in California testing different formulations of various essential oils against the eggs of pest species of slugs and snails. Research will be carried out in petri diss trials and using drenches of the growing medium of potted plants. 3.Progress Report Post-harvest drenches containing essential oils to control eggs of pest slugs and snails in the growing medium of potted plants. Research is being conducted to identify which essential oils are most effective in killing the eggs and neonates of slugs and snails. This research is a cooperative project with researchers at UC Riverside. Slugs and snails are kept outdoors in a fenced enclosure. Eggs are collected from the rearing containers used for slugs and snails and are brought into the laboratory for exposure to essential oils within Petri dishes. Oils tested include cedar wood, clove bud, eucalyptus, garlic, bitter orange, peppermint, white pine, lemon grass, rosemary, spearmint and limonene. Best performing oils to date include garlic, peppermint, clove bud, rosemary and white pine. In future research, we will concentrate on the best performing oils, testing these side-by-side with several products known to have a repellent or killing effect on slugs and snails. Finally, tests will be carried out using drenches of potted plants media which has been artificially infested with eggs of pest slugs and snails. The lead scientist monitors progress through regular conference calls with cooperators, and through direct supervision of the research project and participation in research activities.