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Anticipate Seed Damage - Brief Information on Wireworm
Wireworm damage will be more prevalent when seed germination is delayed by cool soil temperatures. These larvae are yellowish, slender, hard-bodied and range in size from 1/4 to 1 1/4 inches long. Wireworms overwinter as larvae in the soil. When soil temperatures are warm enough for seeds to germinate, wireworms will already be actively feeding.
There are no insecticide rescue treatments that can be applied to stop injury from this pest after planting. Treatment decisions must be made prior to planting. Seed or planter box treatments with products containing lindane, diazinon, or chlorpyrifos provide protection only against moderate infestations.
At this time, estimate wireworm infestations by inspecting soil for wireworms from 20 well-spaced, one square foot sites to a depth of 6 to 8 inches for every 40 acres being planted. Pay close attention to areas where grassy weeds have been a problem. If an average of one wireworm per sample site is found, insecticide treatments would be warranted to limit damage to all crops. If averages are 0.4 to 0.75 wireworms per site, corn and beans are still at risk. An average of 0.25 to 0.04 should indicate a low risk of injury for all field crops, except potatoes.
For more information see the Field Crop Insect Management Guide at http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/pests/e1143w1.htm
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