Wireworms can pose a significant threat to potato crops. These insects, in their larval stage, can remain underground for up to five years, inflicting damage to crops undetected.
Understanding Wireworms
Adult wireworms are harmless to crops. It's their larvae that cause the harm. These larvae can reside in the soil for a minimum of five years, living underground. Unfortunately, by the time the damage to crops is detected, it has already happened.
Preventing Wireworms
There are several methods to prevent these pests from wreaking havoc on your crops:
1. Using Potatoes to Attract Wireworms
- Bury cut halves of potatoes in the soil.
- Inspect them the following day for holes, a sign of wireworm presence.
2. Using Fern Liquid Manure as a Repellent Fertilizer
- Apply this before planting your crops.
- The soil should be damp, preferably after a day of rain, for optimum effect.
- Repeat the treatment after a gap of 15 days.
- This method can also be effective against threats like aphids and Colorado potato beetles.
3. Other Practical Tips
- Try to handpick as many larvae as possible.
- Use bait like carrots or beets.
- Employ coffee grounds as a repellent fertilizer.
- Refrain from planting potatoes for two consecutive years to disrupt the infestation cycle.
- Practice crop rotation.
Use of Repellent Plants
Planting repellent plants can deter wireworms. Plants known for this repellent effect include sunflowers and marigolds.
Using Seedlings
If you're planting seedlings and suspect the presence of wireworm larvae, keep the seedlings in their pots initially. This can help protect your young plants from potential infestation.