[eggplant1]

I know its very common - sadly - but I have never learned what it is and what it evolves into? I'd also love recommendations on how to treat the soil to get rid of the pesky little..........

thanks

[James Kilkelly]

Wireworm
Read more about them here........... Wireworm


Wireworms are the larvae or juvenile form of the click beetle. They are wire-like grubs, with a shiny hard body, a little over 2cms in length, and are commonly coloured orange or yellowy brown. They feed on many bulbs, tubers and plant roots, but most especially potatoes where they attack the newly planted seed by tunnelling into them.

You should avoid planting bulbs or potatoes in areas that were recently growing grass, as wireworms are usually widespread in grassland. It is worth noting that wireworm attack is reported to be worst in the second and third year after grass, so five years without grass is preferable for a wireworm free soil.

Dig, fork or rotovate over your soil once or twice before planting, this will bring wireworms to the surface for collection/crushing by yourself or the birds.

You could set some potato traps in your proposed planting area about three weeks before you plant the seed potatoes. Do this by digging a series of four-inch deep holes throughout the planting area, pop in half a potato, cover with soil, and mark with a stick. A day or two before proper potato planting, you can dig up these traps, which now hopefully contain pesky wireworms ready to be disposed of.

[eggplant1]

Thanks James. love the idea of the potato trap. BTW does the wireworm have any natural predator in the soil?

[simonj]

Part of the SuperNemo blend will kill wireworms - nemo.ie