Pest damage to white clover and perennial ryegrass seedlings after reseeding with a slot-seeder

A high risk of pest damage to seedlings of white clover (Trifolium repens L.) and perennial ryegrass (Lolium perenne L.) was shown to exist after reseeding with a slot‐seeder. Damage varied between years and sites; white clover appeared to be more affected than perennial ryegrass. Insecticides of feasible commercial use (chlorpyrifos granules and γ‐HCH seed treatment) were found to prevent damage. There was no evidence of phytotoxicity from any of the pesticides studied at the dose rates used in the field.