Wireworms, the larvae of click beetles, are among the most important pests in potato cultivation. Their feeding on the potato tubers can lead to significant losses in quality. Wireworm control is particularly challenging, as they have (1) a cryptic, soil-dwelling nature lifestyle in soil, (2) multiannual life cycles and (3) capacity to move vertically in the soil which makes them highly intractable. Currently, no reliable chemical or biological plant protection products are available.
Wireworms do not feed only on potatoes, but feed on a variety of different plant species. This potentially leads to damage to other crops too. However, it also offers the possibility to benefit from it for plant protection measures.
In this project you will investigate wireworm feeding preferences to influence the insect behaviour a) – the goal is to discover a food plant that is tastier than potatoes and that can be used as companion plants in the field b) and a food plant that they do not like and that can be grown as winter cover crops before potato with the goal to reduce wireworm survival and lower pest pressure.
This project is focused on providing farmers with tools to reduce losses caused by wireworm damage. It will involve lab and on-farm field work; thus, you will need a driver's license.
Dani Lucas-Barbosa
June or July 2027
This is a non-paid opportunity, FiBL also offers discounts for students in our great organic mensa! Rooms with shared facilities can be rented at reasonable prices if available for the period.
