Susceptibility to wireworm damage of different crops in semi-natural conditions

Wireworms are soil-dwelling larvae of click beetles (Coleoptera: Elateridae). They are important pests of several major crops such as annual crops such as maize, solanaceous crops, vegetables, and potatoes around the world, most importantly in North America and Europe. With the reduction of available chemical control due to the recent development of legislative laws, wireworms are considered to be the most harmful pests to arable crops. In this study, we aimed to provide an overview of the effects of different Agriotes species on a wide range of selected herbaceous crops such as cereals, legume crops, and potatoes. First, we evaluated the severity of damage and crop losses of different crops in terms of percent germination, growth, and erosion due to wireworms. Then, we used different varieties of potatoes to determine the susceptible and tolerant varieties. We found that selected cereals, particularly maize, oats, sorghum, and winter wheat are more susceptible to wireworms while legumes proteic peas, and soybeans are more tolerant. We also found that commercial varieties particularly Monalisa, Colomba, Vivaldi, and Ambra are more susceptible to wireworm erosions while the variety 181/10-3 and wild potato Solanum chacoense are more tolerant. This research shows different crops and potato varieties that can be used in wireworm-infested fields to mitigate economic losses.