D3103: Novel Group 30 insecticides may be the answer to wireworm control

Wireworms are the larvae of click beetles (Elateridae) that live under the soil. These insects act as pets for several major crops including potatoes and sweet potatoes be feeding on the seeds and tunneling into tubers. This damage leads to both lower crop yields as well as lowered quality which results in notable economic losses. While a common problem, the life cycles and varying species of wireworms are quite complex, with multiple life stages and behaviors still lacking a strong understanding. In addition, effective chemical control options have been greatly restricted as choices like Chlorpyrifos no longer being registered for use.

The emergence of IRAC Group 30 pesticides allow for the treatment of crops to mediate wireworm damage in novel ways. Our data has shown that the application of the chemical broflanilide to wheat seeds can lower wireworm soil populations when planted prior to the crop of interest, ex. potatoes. In combination with study of wireworm behavior and spatial activity within soil, we expect we can effectively determine their location and diminish their population before planting products. This can protect crops from damage as well as prevent significant economic losses.