Posibility to Limit the Wireworms (Agriotes spp.) Damages on Potato Crops

Abstract

Wireworms (Agriotes spp.) are the larvae of a group of beetles commonly known as click beetles. They feed on a large number of crops (wheat, barley, maize, potato, clover etc.) and the extent of the damage depends on the numbers present, the growth stage and the vigor of crops. In recent years, a synthetic pyrethroid new insecticide became a choice for potato growers in their fighting with this voracious pest. Field trials were conducted at NIRDPSB Braşov, Romania between 2017-2018, using Braşovia variety and the soil was chernozem with pH 6.7. From every plot samples of 2 plants were taken till the final harvest and the tubers washed and analyzed regarding wireworm damage using a rating scale from 0 to 3, corresponding to 0, 1-2, 3-5 and >5 holes per tuber. Observations were made regarding the dynamics of the growth and development of the plants during the season. Statistical analysis was done using analysis of variance (ANOVA), the statistical and rating differences between mean values was performed by LSD test. The objective of current study was to find and observe the potential of a new insecticide for wireworm control in potato. The insecticide application, due to the fertilizer compound ensured a vigorous crop with larger plants sizes and a high total biomass. In 2017 the recorded values were higher than in 2018, probably influenced by the climatic conditions.