Cross-sector integrated control of wireworms’ (IWT-RITNAALDEN)

Wireworms, the larvae of click beetles (Elateridae), are a growing problem. They are currently considered to be one of the most harmful soil insects in agriculture and horticulture. Due to their polyphagous character and their multi-year life cycle, wireworms are difficult to control. The registered products for integrated pest management appear to be insufficiently efficient to prevent economic damage and are not applicable to all crops. The aim of this IWT-LA traject  is to develop a cross-sector wireworm compendium for the farmer, based on three IPM pillars (monitoring and  identification of pest, damage thresholds as a decision-making tool and the use of non-chemical control techniques). 

Based on a database of pest monitoring, climate-, cultivation- and field-specific factors,… that will be built, as well as statistical analysis, the determining factors (the relationship between the population of wireworms and the damage) and the best practice-relevant sampling technique are mapped out. The obtained risk evaluation forms the basis for the subsequent decision on a control approach. Various control methods are investigated, including BCA's and  selective chemical agents. We look at their compatibility with the innovative attract & kill control strategy. In this way we attempt for a more targeted control and a reduction of selective chemical insecticide use. Due to the small amount of product per m², the use of BCAs is also becoming feasible in practice.

The knowledge generated was made permanent in the form of a brochure and an app viz. AGRIORISK.  This app will be continually updated by the partners. The model behind the app also allows researchers to add new observations and monitoring results to strengthen the model. Contacts were made with Vito and Belgapom to have this integrated into the smart-farming platform Watch-it-Grow.