Enigma project helps reveal wireworm risk

A major breakthrough is set to help growers forecast when and where wireworm will pose the biggest threat to arable crops.

Scientists working for Fera Science say industry-steered wireworm research and modelling is helping them pinpoint where outbreaks of pest are likely to occur over the next two decades.

Climate change

Rising soil temperatures, driven by climate change, are creating a more hospitable environment for the pest across more of the country, explains Fera senior scientist Andrew Crowe.

Modelling was undertaken as part of Enigma I, a two-year R&D project led by Fera. Findings suggest wireworm will become more prevalent in northern areas of the UK, and at higher elevations.

“Following thorough identification processes, including DNA barcoding, we’ve been able to produce maps that show the current geographic ranges of the five wireworm species of most concern to growers across the UK.

Pest activity

“Building on this, we’ve also modelled the wireworm activity to predict how these geographic ranges are likely to evolve between now and 2040, as soil temperatures rise, due to climate change.

“We’ve been able to forecast where the pest could become an issue for farmers in the future, and which species to look for.”

Using life history studies in lab cultures and from field samples, Fera scientists have also investigated the wireworm life cycle – and how this alters at different temperatures, which could affect damage patterns.

On-farm assessment

These insights have enabled researchers to model wireworm populations throughout the year, informing on-farm risk assessments, and filling significant gaps in knowledge – much of which dates from the 1940s.

The initial Enigma I project is due to be completed imminently. A second phase could follow – steered by the priorities of industry partners.

But partners like Syngenta and G’s Growers are already receiving up-to-date information on where and when to use sustainable pest control methods to protect their crops..

Bespoke knowledge

“We now plan to build a bespoke risk assessment for each project partner based on crop type, crop rotation, location and other risk factors, alongside a suite of actions and options to reduce wireworm.

“We will also investigate the effects of cover crop mixes funded through the SFI (Sustainable Farming Incentive) scheme on wireworm development – and test a small selection of non-chemical control agents for the pest.”

Organisations interested in being involved in the second phase of the Enigma research project into sustainable wireworm control are invited to explore partnership opportunities.