Land and water-dwelling molluscs (molluscs) with over 100,000 species, usually carrying a shell. Most snails are herbivores, in vineyards they can cause considerable damage by eating the young leaves in spring. They mainly occur in humid weather (after rain). During the grape harvest, the snails can cause contamination of the grapes. In Central Europe the Roman snail (Helix pomatia) is widespread with several species, which is considered a delicacy and is also bred for this purpose. It has a light brown, round shell and is not only found in vineyards. Snails are controlled by special pesticides such as molluscicides and also fungicides. An unusual form of ecological control of snails by badgers is practised in the South African wine-growing district of Robertson. See also under vine enemies.
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Roman Horvath MW
Domäne Wachau (Wachau)