Wireworm Control using Fodder Rape and Mustard – evaluating the use of brassica green manures for the control of wireworm (Agriotes spp.) in organic crops

Wireworms are a soil-inhabiting crop pest. Larvae attack many crops, particularly potatoes, and even low populations can cause an economic level of damage. In the UK, high wireworm populations are traditionally associated with long-term grass leys (Parker and Howard, 2001). In the case of organic production, potato crops frequently follow a long-term fertility-building grass ley. Organically grown potatoes, where soil treatment with insecticides is prohibited, are therefore particularly vulnerable to wireworm damage and there is a need to identify effective alternative methods of control.