The World Meeting of Agricultural Experts intends to discuss the pressing problem of wireworm infestation of potato crops. The EWRN workshop will feature keynote presentations, country updates, scientific poster presentations, and collaborative breakout sessions aimed at developing innovative solutions.
Program Highlights
Keynote presentations
- Romans Voors (Europatat, Belgium): “Fighting wireworms in potatoes: understanding the problem and solutions”
Romans Voors will talk about the complexities of wireworm infestation, outline current problems and potential strategies to combat them. His talk will focus on integrated pest management (IPM) approaches, which combine chemical, biological and cultural control methods. - Katharina Wekselberger (AGES, Austria): “Wireworms in Austria: problems for farmers, producers and researchers”
Katharina Wexelberger will talk in detail about the specific problems facing Austrian farmers and researchers. She will highlight regional efforts and collaborative research efforts to mitigate the impact of wireworms on potato yields. - Sylvain Poggi (INRAE, France): “Using models to assess the risks of wireworm infestation”
Sylvain Poggi will present advanced modeling techniques to assess the risk of wireworm infestation. These models help predict infestation levels and help farmers make informed planting and pest management decisions.
Country updates
Experts from Norway, Belgium, Canada, Estonia, Germany, the Netherlands, UK, Spain and France will share the latest research results and news on wireworm control strategies. These updates will provide a comprehensive overview of global efforts to control wireworm problems, highlighting successful methods and ongoing research.
Scientific poster presentations
- Development of ATTRACAP®: a new biological control method.
This presentation will demonstrate the development of ATTRACAP®, a new biological control product designed to attract and kill wireworms. Early trials show that ATTRACAP® can significantly reduce wireworm populations in infested fields. - Study of the movement of wireworms through soil in Canada.
Canadian researchers will present their findings on the behavior and movement of wireworms on the soil. Understanding these patterns is critical to developing effective monitoring and control strategies.
Breakout sessions
Participants will participate in group discussions to exchange ideas and develop collaborative solutions. These sessions will focus on the practical application of research findings to create actionable strategies that farmers can implement to more effectively control wireworm infestations.
The EWRN workshop promises to be a key event for researchers, farmers and industry professionals seeking to mitigate the impact of wireworms on potato production. Bringing together experts from around the world to share knowledge and collaborate on solutions, this workshop will help advance the fight against wireworms, ensuring healthier potato crops and more consistent yields.
