Wireworms (Agriotes spp), the larval stage of click beetles belonging to the Elateridae family, pose a significant threat to potato production, according to an article composed and published by Koppert on this page.
According to the article by Koppert, most of the effective conventional soil insecticides targeted at wireworms have been banned, and those still available work poorly in the soil. These slender, cylindrical larvae feed on underground plant parts, including potato tubers, causing tunnels and lesions that compromise the quality and marketability of the crop. Wireworms infestations can lead to reduced yields, increased susceptibility to other pests and diseases, and economic losses for potato growers.
Common signs of wireworm presence include irregular or shallow holes in potato tubers, often accompanied by tunnels and feeding marks. During early growth stages, wilting or stunted growth of potato plants may indicate wireworms damage to the root system. Monitoring for the presence of adult click beetles, which lay eggs in the soil, can help predict wireworms infestations and is mostly used to determine the species involved, hence its life cycle.
Numerous results show that Koppert’s Casea (Steinernema carpocapsae) and Capyphor (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) beneficial nematodes are an effective biocontrol combination to target wireworms in irrigated potatoes. When applied to the soil, these nematodes seek out wireworms larvae and infect them with symbiotic bacteria, causing death within a few days.
Trial results show that by adopting beneficial nematodes damage to tubers can be reduced by up to 30%, this ultimately converting into higher yields and revenue. The nematodes are very flexible in terms of temperature window, tolerating both cold and hot temperatures.
Both these products are available in large agri-ready formats with a highly soluble biodegradable formulation.
Source: Koppert. Read the full story here
Image: Credit Koppert
Video below: Credit Koppert
Discover more from Potato News Today
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
