Economically important leatherjackets of grassland and cereals: biology, impact and control

Abstract

Despite the large number of cranefly species only two have been convincingly associated with crop damage. The larvae of Tipula paludosa are commonly found as pests in both grassland and spring cereals whereas those of T. oleracea are only established as pests of winter cereals following crops of oilseed rape in the rotation. The latter, however, is probably the species involved in opportunistic situations involving various minor crops. These epidemiological contrasts are attributable to differences in the morphology and behaviour of the adults of the two species in relation to crop rotations. Larvae are sufficiently similar as to cause confusion in identification and this has hampered development of a clear picture of the ecology of the two species. Little is known about the distribution of T. oleracea larvae but T. paludosa larvae are largely regulated by climatic factors, especially rainfall, although the operation of these varies across the distribution range. Many natural enemies have been identified but a commercially viable control method using them has not yet been developed for either species. Control of T. paludosa is relatively easy using broad-spectrum insecticides but inconsistent kills have been observed with winter pesticide applications against T. oleracea. Determination of those fields requiring applications in advance of the damage remains the major problem, especially in grassland and winter cereals, to be resolved for the management of leatherjacket pests.