Wireworm: Biology and Nonchemical Management in Potatoes in the Pacific Northwest

Nick Andrews, Mario Ambrosino, Glenn Fisher and Silvia I. Rondon
PNW 607 | Published December 2008, Reviewed 2023

Summary

Wireworms are among the most destructive of soil insect pests. This publication explains the wireworm life cycle and describes a program for monitoring and risk assessment. Nonchemical management methods are suggested, including crop rotation, soil drying, flooding, cultivation, resistant varieties, soil amendments, early harvest, trap crops, and biological control. Includes photos for pest identification.

About the authors

Mario Ambrosino
Faculty research associate
Integrated Plant Protection Center
Glenn Fisher
Extension entomologist
Oregon State University

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