Wireworm and soil-borne disease control in potatoes: our latest solutions presented at Potato Europe

Wireworms (Agriotes spp), pose a significant threat to potato production. Most of the effective conventional soil insecticides have been banned, and those still available are ineffective in the soil. Wireworms infestations can lead to reduced yields, increased susceptibility to other pests and diseases, and economic losses for potato growers.

Beneficial nematodes play an important role in the control of wireworms. Numerous results show that Casea and Capyphor are an effective combination to target wireworms in (irrigated) potatoes. When applied to the soil, these nematodes seek out wireworms larvae and infect them with symbiotic bacteria, causing death within a few days. Trial results show that by adopting beneficial nematodes, damage to tubers can be reduced by up to 30%, this ultimately converting into higher yields and revenue.

Wireworms aren’t the only challenge. Potatoes are susceptible to numerous soil-borne diseases such as Fusarium and Rhizoctonia. Trianum, based on the unique fungus Trichoderma harzianum T-22 protects potatoes against these pathogens.

Applied correctly, Trianum is as effective as chemical fungicides. But whereas chemical fungicides put stress on the plant, Trianum makes the plant more resilient to stress. Additionally, Trianum improves the root system, which enhances the uptake of water and nutrients and supports the plants’ growth.

We’re excited to meet you at Potato Europe! Let’s talk about your crop protection challenges and how biological crop protection can help you manage pests and diseases in potatoes.

But there’s more! Our range of solutions also cover other crops like onions, carrots and more. But also targeting problems such as Pythium, onion fly, bean seed fly, and thrips.

• Date: Wednesday 3rd and Thursday 4th of September, daily from 09.00 – 18.00 h.

• Booth: VA-11

• Location: WUR, field crop location, Lelystad, The Netherlands

Want to see our crop protection in action? Book a tour at our Outdoor Experience Centre, located in Dronten, just a 10-minute drive from Potato Europe.

See you then!