Evidence suggests that wireworm damage in potatoes has been getting more severe and widespread and, in some cases, has led to British growers losing £100,000s in revenue.
As Adam Clarke reports for Farmers Weekly, this worsening problem has prompted plenty of research activity to try to find solutions for growers looking to protect their investment in what is a very expensive crop to grow.
Cambridge University Potato Growers’ Research Association (Cupgra) commissioned the first wireworm research review in the UK since 2001 to help growers combat the problem. The research was a collaboration by Niab CUF senior research associate Marc Allison and independent agronomist Martyn Cox.
Farmers Weekly asked them about the main findings and outline what action growers can take.