Wily wireworms and tips for managing them

Here’s the good news about wireworms: of the more than 300 species found on the Prairies, only four or five cause trouble for agricultural production. The bad news? This patchy pest can create serious trouble in fields – but also completely ignore neighbouring areas, making it a constant battle to scout and track wireworm populations. Research on wireworm management and thresholds is a little thin on the ground, but current projects and studies seek to change this, giving growers a better idea of when and how to control this insect complex.

In this episode, Haley Catton, field crop entomologist with Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada in Lethbridge, Alta., discusses what makes wireworms such a tricky pest to control. She also provides information on broflanilide – an active ingredient registered last fall with Health Canada’s Pest Management Regulatory Agency (PMRA) – and pest management tips for growers.

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