CONTROLLING WIREWORMS WITH NEONICOTINOID INSECTICIDES IN WHEAT
Applied Research
Aaron Esser
Extension Agronomist
Washington State University
RITZVILLE
Abstract
\r\n Wireworm (Limonius spp.) populations and crop damage have been increasing in wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) production across eastern Washington. Today nearly all cereal crop acres throughout eastern Washington are treated for wireworm control with neonicotinoidinsecticides such as Cruiser® (thiamethoxam) and Gaucho® (imidacloprid) at rates between 0.190-0.315 oz/cwt. At these rates, the neonicotinoids are toxic to wireworms but at sub-lethal doses, or in other words they repel or provide some seedling protection only. Our objective is to determine if we can find a lethal dose of neonicotinoid insecticide and reduce wireworm populations. An on-farm test (OFT) was initiated in the spring of 2008 to examine spring wheat treated with 2.00 oz/cwt of Gaucho vs. a non-Gaucho treated spring wheat control. At this location 2.00 oz/cwt Gaucho had a trend for improved yield, economic return over costs, and reduced wireworm populations and concluded additional research is needed. A second OFT was repeated in the spring of 2010. Spring wheat treated with 2.00 oz/cwt Gaucho significantly improved yield, economic return over costs, and wireworm population data will be collected this spring using a modified wireworm solar bait trap and this data will be presented.
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Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC
This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.
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Authors: A. E. Esser, K. S, Pike, R Dewald
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Esser, A. Extension Educator, WSU Extension, Washington, 99169
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Pike, K. WSU Entomologist, WSU IAREC, Washington, 99350
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Dewald, R. Wheat Producer, Lincoln County, Washington, 99122