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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Cucurbits
Wireworms
Scientific Names: Limonius spp. and others
(Reviewed 11/05,
updated 11/05)
In this Guideline:
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Wireworms are
shiny, slender, cylindrical, hard-bodied, yellow to brown larvae that can be
found at all times of the year and in almost any kind of soil. The larval (or
wireworm) stage of this insect may last several years. When fully developed,
they vary in length from about 0.5 inch to 1.25 inches (12–31 mm), depending on
the species. Adults of
these larvae are known as click beetles. They can snap and flip their bodies
into the air when turned upside down. These tan to black beetles vary from 0.25
inch (6 mm) to more than 1.0 inch (24 mm) in length, but the most common pest
species are about 0.5 inch (12 mm) long.
Wireworm larvae injure crops by partially or completely devouring
seeds in the soil, thus reducing plant stands. On plants, they can cut off
small, underground stems and roots or bore into larger ones.
Preventive treatment may be warranted for crops planted in land that
was previously pasture or planted to alfalfa, vineyards and possibly grains.
Otherwise, good field sanitation and measures to ensure rapid seed germination
are generally adequate for control of this pest.
Cultural Control
Minimize plant residue from previous crops. Fallow fields for several
weeks to allow organic matter to decompose. Seeds planted at depths greater
than 1.5 inch (3.7 mm) take longer to germinate and are at greater risk for
infestation. Do not plant into cold, moist soil.
Organically Acceptable Methods
Cultural controls are acceptable to use in an organically certified
crop.
Monitoring and Treatment Decisions
If wireworms have been a serious problem in the past, a preventative
treatment may be necessary. Preplant or seed treatments are far superior to any
postemergent practice.
| Common name |
Amount/Acre |
P.H.I.+ |
| (trade name) |
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(days) |
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| When choosing a
pesticide, consider information relating to water quality and impact on
natural enemies and honey bees.
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| A. |
IMIDACLOPRID |
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(Admire) 2F |
16–24 fl oz |
21 |
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MODE OF ACTION: A neonicotinoid (Group 4A)1
insecticide.
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COMMENTS: Apply at planting or transplanting and incorporate
into root zone. Repeat applications of any neonicotinoid insecticide (imidacloprid-Admire; thiamethoxam-Platinum)
can lead to resistance to all neonicotinoids. Alternate neonicotinoids with an insecticide that has a different mode of action to help delay the development of resistance. |
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| B. |
DIAZINON* |
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(Diazinon) 14G |
21–28 lb |
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MODE OF ACTION: An organophosphate (Group 1B)1
insecticide.
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COMMENTS: Labeled for use on melons and watermelons only.
Broadcast and incorporate into soil just before planting. May also control seedcorn maggot. |
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(Diazinon) 50W |
4–8 lb |
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(Diazinon) AG500 |
2–4 qt |
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COMMENTS: Labeled for use on melons
and watermelons only. Broadcast just before planting and immediately work into the soil 4–8 inches. |
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| C. |
METAM SODIUM* |
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(Vapam) |
Label rates |
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COMMENTS: Apply as a band treatment before planting.
Fumigants, such as as metam sodium and 1,3-dichloropropene, are a prime
source of volatile organic compounds (VOCs), which are a major air quality
issue. Fumigate only as a last resort when other management strategies have not been successful or are not available. |
UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
Insects and Mites
R. L. Coviello, UC
Cooperative Extension, Fresno Co.
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial Co.
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin Co.
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to the insect and mite section:
J. B. LeBoeuf, AgriData Sensing, Inc., Fresno
M. Murray, UC Cooperative Extension, Colusa/Glenn counties
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