Understanding the risk to Scotland’s plant health arising from wireworm (click beetles) and the monitoring and Integrated Pest Management requirements
Wireworm infestations in multiple high value/hectarage Scottish crops are being reported in increasing numbers, however there is little information on the species involved, or their numbers, locations or damage levels in Scotland. This lack of local data on species presence across Scotland makes it difficult to develop control strategies or issue advice for Scottish growers, with a risk of yield loss and/or potentially inappropriate pesticide usage as a result.
This project has generated up-to-date data set on which wireworm species are present in Scotland, along with information on locations and risk factors. This establishes the foundation for on-going species monitoring in future. The project has produced advice and guidelines on integrated pest management, with clear links to monitoring information.
