Evaluation of wireworm population and their management practices in the floodplains of Lac-Saint-Pierre
Plant Science Research Horizons online seminar by Palaniappan Ramanathan.
Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are serious agricultural pests across the world and its spread increased consistently. The injuries are usually below ground for example, damages to root crops and seedlings. It is commonly controlled by synthetic insecticides applied as soil/seed treatments before planting. Recently, increase in use of insecticides has created resistance among the pest population and risk to the environment. In Canada, there are about 20 species of wireworms, considered as economic threats to major crops. However, this study will focus on the wireworm population in the floodplains of Lac-Saint-Pierre (LSP) because conventional agricultural practices (tillage, pesticides and fertilizers) have affected the lake biodiversity and water quality. In this project, the wireworm population is evaluated across various commercial fields in the LSP region. In addition, growing buckwheat (Fagopyrum esculentum Moench.) in rotation with field crops will be tested for its effect on wireworm populations as it is known that phytochemicals released by buckwheat can affect the feeding behavior of wireworms. Upon validation, this could help us to develop a sustainable strategy and to preserve the ecosystem around the farmlands by initiating non-insecticidal alternative.
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