Number Of Wireworms Research Articles

Влияние применения дефеката на вредоносность проволочников и продуктивность подсолнечника в Краснодарском крае

Larvae of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are wireworms, one of the most spreading polyphagous soil pests damaging the agricultural crops, including sunflower. They prefer soils having pH from 5.6–6.0 to 4.5–5.0 and humus content more than 3.3%. Liming is the primary means to optimized reaction of a soil solution. In 2016–2018, in the V.S. Pustovoit All-Russian Research Institute of Oil Crops, influence of filter cake (lime organic and mineral fertilizers produced after sugar beet processing) application in doses 3.9 and 5.9 t/ha on damaging of sunflower seedlings by larvae of beetles from an Elateridae family (wireworms) and crop productivity. The dry filter cake in the studied doses introduced 30 days before sunflower planting with further incorporation into the physically mature soil by tillers “Krot” on a depth of 12–15 cm decreased significantly a number of wireworms – from 15–21 (in control) to 6–10 pcs/m2. Thinning of sunflower crops due to wireworm damages on average reached 53.3% in control, as plant death in variants with application of an organic and mineral fertilizer in doses of 3.9 and 5.9 t/ha was at a level of 31.6 and 26.7%, respectively. The filter cake application in doses of 3.9 and 5.9 t/ha allowed obtaining yield increase of 0.86–0.87 t/ha. Oil content in sunflower seeds in these variants was equal to 51.3–52.1%.

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum): its impact on wireworm development and survival

Buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum) is a member of the Polygonaceae family, cultivated as a cover crop to suppress or reduce weeds and improve soil health. In our field studies, buckwheat gave significant potato tuber protection from wireworm damage after two consecutive years of cropping. In this study, we identified the mechanism underlying the beneficial effect of buckwheat on wireworm suppression. Results show high wireworm numbers in buckwheat than other host plants in bioassays conducted under greenhouse and field conditions which reject the hypothesis that buckwheat has antifeedant activity. We found that newly hatched neonate wireworms feeding on either barley or buckwheat plants for 120 days, showed reduced body weight and head capsule size. The larvae feeding on buckwheat were 60% and 30% smaller than the ones feeding on barley. Survival was also impacted with 44% of the neonate larvae surviving on barley plants, and only 15% when feeding on buckwheat roots over 120 days. A similar bioassay with small to medium-sized wireworms showed higher mortality, lower weight gain and smaller head capsule size. Wireworms feeding on buckwheat were deformed and demonstrated irregular growth. In conclusion, this study revealed that buckwheat did not repel wireworms and they chose to feed on the roots despite it not being a good host. Long-term feeding on buckwheat roots caused reduced weight gain, abnormal growth, and reduced survival. This study provided a better understanding of how buckwheat functions as a biopesticide for wireworm control and its potential for use in an IPM program.

Predicting crop damage caused by wireworms and the effect of tillage on trap efficiency

A novel wireworm ‘probe’ trap is described, characterized, and used in field trials to (i) determine effects of different spring tillage treatments on its efficiency capturing Agriotes obscurus L. Coleoptera: Elateridae wireworms; and (ii) assess its ability to predict crop damage. In pot trials, its attractiveness to other wireworm species was determined. In a forage/grass field, spring tillage treatments included: ploughing, rototilling, glyphosate-sprayed then ploughing, glyphosate-sprayed then rototilling, glyphosate-sprayed untilled, and untilled. The number of wireworms captured in tilled treatments increased until 20 October. The number of wireworms captured in untilled treatments remained low. Subterranean CO2 levels in tilled treatments decreased after tillage and over the trapping period, suggesting the increase in captured wireworms occurred because trap CO2 levels were not overwhelmed by soil levels. The decrease in subterranean CO2 was less pronounced in untilled-glyphosate and relatively unchanged in untilled-no glyphosate, corresponding to the lower number of wireworms captured. In a separate trial determining the trap’s ability to predict crop damage, a 2 m-wide section was rototilled in grass/forage fields in the spring of Year 1. Probe traps assessed wireworm levels in August and October of Year 1 to predict crop damage for potato and corn planted in Year 2. The y-intercept of linear equations suggested that wireworms captured in October better-predicted potato damage and corn emergence although equations were significant only for August. October-captured wireworms ≤ 21 mm in length correlated better with crop damage than larger wireworms. Pot studies revealed the probe trap to also attract A. litigiousus, A. sordidus, A. brevis, and A. ustulatus.

Effects of tillage and fallow rotation on wireworm populations and damage to cereal grain crops in Montana

AbstractWireworms, the soil‐dwelling larval stage of click beetles, are an increasing pest threat to the sustainable production of cereals, potato (Solanum tuberosum L.), and other crops. Producers believe that soil tillage and crop–fallow rotation can reduce the damage caused by wireworms. This study used four field plots maintained under the same regimen of tilling and no‐till management in combination with continuous cropping and alternating fallow systems for more than 17 yr at the Montana State University Central Agricultural Research Station near Moccasin, MT. Bait traps were used to monitor wireworm numbers in the soil during 2011, 2012, and 2013, along with stand density and yield assessments, to gain insights into the effectiveness of tillage and fallow cultural practices to reduce wireworm populations. Wireworm numbers were higher in continuously cropped plots than in those with an alternating crop and fallow rotation. No differences in wireworm numbers were detected when comparing tillage versus no‐tillage plots. Up to six different species of wireworm were identified within an individual field, and the diversity of their biology may influence the effectiveness of cultural practices.

Assessing the performance of pea and lentil at different seeding densities as trap crops for the management of wireworms in spring wheat

AbstractWireworms, the larvae of click beetles (Elateridae), are difficult to manage due to their habitats and behaviour. Wireworms pose a major threat to the wheat crop in the north‐western USA. Seed treatment with neonicotinoids, biological control management and some cultural controls are recommended to manage these pests. Trap cropping is an emerging way to manage wireworms. In strawberry and potato crops, trap cropping has been found effective at attracting wireworms away from the principal crop. An earlier study in the Golden Triangle area of Montana found that pea and lentil could be effective trap crops for managing wireworms in spring wheat. In the present study, experiments were conducted at two locations. The effectiveness of peas and lentils as trap crops with wheat at different seeding densities was assessed [pea at 0, 4, 8, 16 seeds/sq.ft. or 0, 43, 86, 172 seeds/sq.m.; lentil at 0, 6, 12, 18 OR 0, 65, 130, 194 seeds/sq.m.; both with wheat at 0, 11, 22, or 28 seeds/sq.ft. or 0, 120, 230, 300 seeds/sq.m.] in a randomized design where all three crops were intercropped. Both trap crops were found to be effective in protecting wheat at standard seeding rates of 8 seeds/sq.ft. for pea and 12 seeds/sq.ft. for lentils. At these seeding rates, higher numbers of wireworms were found to be attracted to the trap crop, resulting in higher yield (7%–10%) of the associated spring wheat plant stands at 22 seeds/sq.ft. To develop an effective trap crop strategy, the pea–wheat and lentil–wheat spatial patterns that are possible need to be assessed in further field trials. Proper design and evaluation of the cost–benefit ratio of pea and lentil as trap crops are likely to produce good results for wheat crops in Montana.

Efficacy of Beauveria Bassiana for the Management of Economically Important Wireworm Species (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Organic Farming

Wireworms, the larvae of click beetle species Agriotes lineatus, A. obscurus and A. sputator are serious pests for several field crops. They are considered severe pests of potato tubers and the damages caused by them can be resulted a significant loss especially in organic crop production. Since synthetic insecticides are prohibited in Organic Farming; biological control methods have to be used in organic crop production. In the current study naturalis Beauveria bassianaa strain ATCC 74040 was used both under laboratory and field conditions using wheat and potato crops as a food source respectively. Fungus showed a significant mortality in high number of wireworms boxes (50%) compared to low number of wireworms (17%) and untreated boxes (13%) respectively. However, seed germination showed no effect in all three categories. Field data have shown mixed results when B. bassiana has been applied in a variety of application methods. Maximum infestation (3.99%) was recorded in untreated plots; while significantly lower damage (1.11%) was recorded in whole surface treated plots. During first year all the treatments were significantly different from each other; however, no significant differences were noted between furrows and whole surface applications but were different from control treatment during second year of experimentation. The results showed that the biological control of wireworms by using entomopathogenic fungi, such as B. bassiana is a promising target specific option without disturbing the other communities in the soil.

Wireworms suppress spreading of the expansive weed Calamagrostis epigejos (L) Roth by feeding on its rhizomes

We tested whether wireworms (Elaterid beetle larvae) prefer the expansive grass Calamagrostis epigejos to other early-successional plant species from the spoil heaps in two microcosm experiments and in a field survey of wireworm abundance and C. epigejos coverage on the spoil heaps at different topographic positions at the spontaneously revegetated sites with an undulating surface. In the first experiment, wireworms reduced rhizome biomass of C. epigejos the most out of the belowground organs of the 5 plant species, but did not affect its root biomass. In the second greenhouse experiment, wireworms negatively affected the growth of rhizomes of a growing C. epigejos, whilst they did not affect the other plant species or the aboveground biomass. In the field survey, C. epigejos coverage was lowest at the bottoms of depressions, despite the higher moisture and nutrient levels at this position. Wireworm numbers were the highest in depressions. The results of this study support the hypothesis that wireworms can negatively impact the C. epigejos by feeding on its rhizomes and have the potential to slow down the expansion of this weed.

Evaluation of trap crops for the management of wireworms in spring wheat in Montana

The polyphagous larvae of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are major pests of spring wheat in Montana, USA. Presently available insecticides are unable to provide control over wireworm populations, and the use of natural enemies has not been successful under field conditions. In this study, we examined the effect of seven trap crops: pea, lentil, canola, corn, durum, barley, and wheat, for their attractiveness to wireworms compared to spring wheat. Experimental plots were located in two commercial grain fields in Valier and Ledger, Montana, USA and the trials took place from May to August in 2015 and 2016. Wheat plants damaged by wireworms were recorded and their relative locations in wheat rows and adjacent trap crop rows within a plot were determined using destructive soil samples. In 2016, variable row spacing (0.25, 0.5, 0.75, and 1 m) between the trap crops (pea and lentil) and wheat was assessed. Shade house bioassays were conducted using potted pea, lentil, and wheat plants to support field trial results. Limonius californicus larvae, released at the center of each pot were sampled 4 and 10 days after sowing. Wheat intercropped with pea and lentil had significantly fewer damaged wheat plants. Wireworm numbers were lower in wheat intercropped with pea compared to the control for both locations and years. Shade house results corresponded with field results, with more wireworms collected from pea and lentil than wheat. In the spacing trials, wheat plant counts were also significantly higher when paired with pea and lentil, particularly at 0.5 m spacing. Regardless of inter-row spacing, significantly fewer wireworms were associated with wheat when intercropped with pea and lentil trap crops.

Efficacy of pyrethroid and neonicotinoid insecticides for Melanotus communis (Gyll.) (Coleoptera: Elateridae) control in Florida sugarcane (Saccharum spp.)

AbstractWireworms are important pests in newly planted sugarcane fields in Florida. Current management involves an integrated programme of cultural and chemical controls. Current chemical controls used are the organophosphates phorate and ethoprop. As federal regulations tighten the uses of organophosphates, effective chemicals from alternative classes of chemistry need to be found. The organophosphates were the only insecticides that effectively protected the emerging shoots from damage in our study. Phorate consistently reduced the number of wireworms. While the pyrethroids and neonicotinoids were able to protect the seed piece and non‐sprouted buds, they did not consistently protect shoots and tillers. Neither pyrethroids nor neonicotinoids caused wireworm mortality in excess of that which occurred naturally.

Influence of Preceding Crop on Wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Abundance in the Coastal Plain of North Carolina

Three studies were conducted to determine the effect of preceding crop on wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) abundance in the coastal plain of North Carolina. In all three studies, samples of wireworm populations were taken from the soil by using oat, Avena sativa L., baits. Treatments were defined by the previous year's crop and were chosen to reflect common crop rotations in the region. Across all three studies, eight wireworm species were recovered from the baits: Conoderus amplicollis (Gyllenhal), Conoderus bellus (Say), Conoderus falli (Lane), Conoderus lividus (Degeer), Conoderus scissus (Schaeffer), Conoderus vespertinus (F.), Glyphonyx bimarginatus (Schaeffer), and Melanotus communis (Gyllenhal). The effect of corn, Zea mays L.; cotton, Gossypium hirsutum L.; fallow; soybean, Clycine max (L.) Merr.; sweet potato, Ipomoea batatas (L.) Lam.; and tobacco (Nicotiana spp.) was evaluated in a small-plot replicated study. M. communis was the most frequently collected species in the small-plot study and was found in significantly higher numbers following soybean and corn. The mean total number of wireworms per bait (all species) was highest following soybean. A second study conducted in late fall and early spring assessed the abundance of overwintering wireworm populations in commercial fields planted to corn, cotton, peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.), soybean, sweet potato, and tobacco in the most recent previous growing season. C. lividus was the most abundant species, and the mean total number of wireworms was highest following corn and soybean. A survey was conducted in commercial sweet potato in late spring and early summer in fields that had been planted to corn, cotton, cucurbit (Cucurbita pepo L.), peanut, soybean, sweet potato, or tobacco in the most recent previous growing season. C. vespertinus was the most abundant species, and the mean total number of wireworms per bait was highest following corn.

Effectiveness of Reduced Rates of Insecticides for the Control ofMelanotus communis(Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Sugarcane

Wireworms (larval Elateridae) are perennial pests of newly planted sugarcane causing stand loss directly by damaging growing points and indirectly by introducing disease. Two organophosphate insecticides, phorate and ethoprop, are currently labeled for controlling wireworms in sugar cane. In the first experiment, 4 rates of phorate (100, 87.5, 75, and 62.5% of the current maximum field rate) were used in 2 different types of soil: Dania Muck and Immokalee Fine Sand. In the second experiment, 4 rates of phorate and ethoprop (100, 75, 50, and 25% of current maximum field rates) were used in a Lauderhill Muck soil. A no-treatment and a wireworm-free treatment were used as controls in both experiments. The effect of the insecticide was evaluated in simulated field experiments conducted in 18.9-L (5-gallon) buckets filled with soil and artificially infested with 10 wireworms (Melanotus communis (Gyllenhall), Coleoptera: Elateridae) per bucket. After 60 d, the contents of the buckets were emptied to evaluate damage to the plant and count the surviving wireworms. Insecticides resulted in fewer live wireworms and reduced damage to sugarcane shoots, roots, and seed pieces compared to the no-treatment control. In the first experiment, phorate proved to be very effective at controlling wireworms even at the 62.5% rate. Phorate was more effective in the Immokalee Fine Sand than in the Dania Muck. In the second experiment, phorate was found to be more effective at reducing stand loss and wireworm numbers than ethoprop. Translation by the authors.

Mortality and infection of wireworm, Agriotes obscurus [Coleoptera: Elateridae], with inundative field applications of Metarhizium anisopliae

In an attempt to cause fatal infection of wireworm Agriotes obscurus [Coleoptera: Elateridae], Metarhizium anisopliae was applied in the field as factorial combinations of conidia formulated as granules at 3.68 g granules or 1.25 x 1010 cfu per 196 cm2 (6.38 x 107 conidia cm-2), as conidia mixed with soil at 1.26 x 1010 cfu per 2.986 cm3 soil (4.22 x 106 conidia cm-3 soil), and as conidia-coated wheat seed (100 wheat seeds or 4.16 x 109 cfu per 196 cm2 = 2.12 x 107 conidia cm-2). The treatments resulted in a significantly greater number of mycosed wireworms compared with the control over and during five sampling periods. Significant differences in total wireworm mortality and mycosed wireworms in the field occurred at any time ranging from 15 to 82 d following treatment. The treatments also caused a reduction in the number of wireworms found in the cores, implying that they had a repellent effect. Latent infection of wireworms became apparent after living wireworms from the field treatments died following incubation under laboratory conditions, in numbers significantly greater than the control. This study showed that M. anisopliae can be applied in the field and infect and kill wireworms, but only at concentrations exceeding 4 x 106 conidia cm-3 with the subject isolate, wireworm species, and field conditions used in this study.

SEASONAL POPULATION DYNAMICS OF WIREWORMS (COLEOPTERA: ELATERIDAE) IN FLORIDA SUGARCANE FIELDS

Wireworms are important insect pests of Florida sugarcane. The objective of this study was to determine the seasonal population dynamics of wireworms in Florida sugarcane. In a preliminary test, significantly more total numbers of wireworms were found under sugarcane stools than between stools in a row or between rows. Hence, the sugarcane stool was used as the sampling site for wireworms in the population dynamics study. A sugarcane field was sampled for wireworms monthly from Jun 2004 to Jun 2006. The total number of wireworms was significantly less in the summer than other seasons and these wireworms were also significantly smaller at this time. Data in this study should be useful to southern Florida growers in understanding expected wireworm damage in different seasons.

Wireworm (Coleoptera: Elateridae) identity, monitoring and damage in sugarcane

Abstract Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) damage the eyes and young shoots of germinating cane setts in many growing regions. Insecticides can be applied at planting to avoid damage. However, there are no guidelines for deciding on whether treatment is warranted and a sampling method to detect wireworms before planting has not been developed. Baits of rolled oats were tested as a method for detecting wireworms in preplant fallows. In 1995 at Bundaberg, the reduction in crop establishment when treatment was withheld was positively correlated with the catch of wireworms at baits before planting. However, no similar relationship was seen in 1996 or at Mackay in either 1995 or 1996: severe damage was recorded on one farm at Mackay where no wireworms had been found. A sampling plan was developed to estimate wireworm numbers at baits with a fixed level of precision. Wireworms collected at the baits and in samples from established canefields in Queensland and New South Wales included five named and 21 unnamed species from five genera, the most abundant being Agrypnus, Conoderus and Heteroderes. Possible barriers to the adoption of baiting as a decision‐support tool are discussed. Development of a reliable monitoring system would require considerably more research, which could not be justified at present.

Evaluation of the use of food baits for detecting wireworms ( Agriotes spp., Coleoptera: Elateridae) in fields intended for arable crop production

A replicated trial was carried out in Herefordshire, UK to investigate the efficacy of vegetable and cereal-based baits for assessing wireworm populations in grass fields intended for arable crop production. Baits were placed either in the bottom of a hole or in a simple trap placed in a hole. Wireworm capture using baits was compared with that using unbaited traps and holes and a standard soil core method of sampling for wireworms. Overall, more wireworms were captured from holes or traps baited with the cereal seed mixtures than from those baited with carrot or potato. Significant numbers of wireworms were also found just outside cereal-baited traps. Soil core samples captured a similar number of wireworms to the vegetable baits. Processing times for individual samples (assessed by hand search or a combination of hand search and flotation) were also recorded. The use of food baits is potentially a more sensitive and less labour-intensive means of detecting wireworms in fields intended for arable production than the methods currently used.

Population dynamics of false wireworms (Gonocephalum macleayi, Pterohelaeus alternatus, P. darlingensis) and development of an integrated pest management program in central Queensland field crops: a review

False wireworms (particularly Pterohelaeus alternatus and Gonocephalum macleayi) are major pests of seedling field crops in central Queensland. Population densities are spatially and temporally dynamic, with high densities (>2/m2) of large larvae and adults generally not persisting at a location for more than 1 year. Adult movement in summer in response to changes in habitat suitability is suggested as the cause of population changes. Natural enemies, particularly entomopathogenic fungi, may also have a role in suppressing high population densities. One-half to three-quarters of fields that have grown summer crops including sorghum, sunflower, soybeans, and mungbeans in the preceding season are infested at densities that could cause economic losses in subsequent crops sown in wide rows with a low seed-sowing rate. Winter-grown wheat results in a significantly lower infestation rate (one-quarter of the fields sampled), but winter chickpea is a suitable crop for development of false wireworm infestations. Cultivation per se does not reduce numbers of false wireworms, but stubble removal may depress densities. False wireworms feed on stubble, and crop damage may be increased in low-stubble fields (following long fallows for example) despite low false wireworm numbers, due to lack of alternative food. The dynamic nature of false wireworm population size makes prediction of pest levels difficult. The presence of false wireworms should be assessed in each fallow field before planting. Management strategies based on preplanting sampling, economic injury levels, stubble management, crop rotation, and insecticide control are discussed.

Seasonal Abundance and Spatial Distribution of Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in Georgia Sweet Potato Fields

Seasonal abundance and spatial distribution of Conoderus wireworms were studied in sweet potato fields in Georgia. Wireworm numbers were highest in July and decreased successively thereafter in the two fields sampled for wireworm abundance. Spatial distribution was determined by comparing data for fit to six mathematical distributions (Poisson, Poisson with zeros, negative binomial, Thomas double Poisson, Neyman’s type A, and logarithmic with zeros). Data collected from seven fields were described using Taylor’s power law and Iwao’s regression techniques. Wireworm distribution was clumped at the beginning of the season at least in O.10-ha plots and became random thereafter. The spatial distribution of C. rudis (Brown) was aggregated (Taylor) and random (Iwao), whereas C. scissus (Schaeffer) and C. amplicollis (Gyllenhal) distribution was mostly aggregated and random, respectively. Small larvae of C. scissus were regular in distribution, whereas distribution of medium and large larvae was mostly random and aggregated, respectively. The general pattern of wireworm distribution was random as obtained from seven fields. Optimum sample size required for a 2.0-ha area for reliable estimate of wireworms in economic management level (40%) was 57, 33, and 19 at 0.5, 1.0, and 2.0 wireworms, respectively, per sample.

Effects of Cultural Practices and Rotational Crops on Abundance of Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Affecting Sweetpotato in Georgia

Effects of cultural practices on populations of wireworms affecting sweetpotato were evaluated, and a comprehensive survey was conducted to determine the preference of wireworms species for corn, sweetpotato, peanut, soybean, turnip, woodland, cowpea, fallow, cotton, tomato, and tobacco. In each of 3 yr, the highest number of wireworms per sample was observed in sweetpotato followed by peanut and corn. Few wireworms were recorded in fallow fields. Conoderus scissus Schaeffer and Conoderus rudis (Brown) were most abundant in Georgia. C. scissus and C. rudis were found in all crops and were most abundant in sweetpotato, whereas Conoderus amplicollis (Gyllenhal) was most abundant in corn. Conoderus falli Lane abundance was low in all crops. Cropping history influenced the wireworm species composition in sweetpotato. Wireworm populations increased in a crop when grown after sweetpotato, but baited traps of a corn-wheat seed mixture reduced wireworm populations significantly from the sweetpotato hills. Wireworms were more abundant in raised beds than between raised beds. Repeated plowing of the soil reduced wireworm abundance in a field. Abundance was greater in weedy fields than in weed-free fields.

Stand and Yield Losses in Sugarcane Caused by the Wireworm Melanotus communis (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Infesting Plant Cane in Florida

Stand reductions in plant cane caused by Melanotus communis (Gyll.) were quantified in small-plot tests with 2 commercial clones and in a large-plot study with 1 commercial clone. A standard measure of the number of wireworms per 1.5 row-meters was used. Infestation levels studied ranged from 0 up to 12 M. communis per 1.5 row-m. Stand reductions per wireworm per 1.5 row-meters ranged from 6.2 to 7.8% at 12 weeks after planting based on regression analyses. Tillering during the growing season compensated to some degree for early stand losses but, at harvest, stalks from plots infested by wireworms tended to weigh less. Yield in terms of the total weight of cane in plots at harvest was reduced by wireworms. In the large-plot study, the weight of cane harvested per hectare was reduced by 5.9 metric tons or by 3.8% per wireworm per 1.5 row-meters (r = .92). Wireworms did not cause reductions in sucrose levels in juice. However, because cane weight at harvest was reduced by 3.8% per wireworm per 1.5 row-meters, the amount of sugar produced was reduced by the same amount. Stand reductions in plant cane caused by 8 to 12 wireworms/1.5 row-meters carried over into the first ratoon crop, which resulted in lower yield of the ratoon crop.

Evaluation of Baiting Techniques for Sampling Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) Infesting Wheat in Washington1

Field comparisons of several baits in attracting wireworms, primarily Great Basin wireworms, Ctenicera pruinina (Horn), showed that fewer wireworms were found at stations baited with carrot, potato, or wheat bran than at those baited with a 1:1 whole wheat-corn mixture or wheat flour. Counts at stations baited with whole ground wheat, whole wheat, and whole corn were intermediate. Baits consisting of a 1:1 wheat-corn mixture, either dry or presoaked in water, either covered with a polyethylene sheet or not, and exposed for 1, 2, or 3 weeks during March through June in fallow ground, were evaluated for their efficiency in attracting wireworms. In general, presoaking or covering baits made little difference in the mean number of wireworms attracted as compared with dry or uncovered baits. However, the bait combination attracting the highest number of wireworms was soaked, covered, and exposed for 3 weeks in April. Low soil temperature was apparently the limiting factor in attracting wireworrns to baits in March, whereas low soil moisture was the limiting factor in June. When the mean number of wireworrns from all unbaited soil samples was compared with that at baits, different ratios were obtained for each of three exposure periods each month. However, if additional studies in other areas can verify the efficacy of the baiting technique, it could be used to estimate wireworm population densities in the field.