Wireworm larvae are hard, yellow to dark brown cylindrical worms that may reach 1/2 to 1 1/2 inches long when full grown. Adults are the familiar brown-black "click" beetles.

Damage

    Wireworms reduce plant populations by attacking the seed or boring into the young plant. The plant will die if the growing point is destroyed. Damage usually shows up about a week or two after plant emergenge. Symptoms include wilted plants or skips in the stand.

Assessment

    Wireworms are a potential problem where popcorn follows grass or legume-grass sod. Several species can cause economic damage. There are no effective rescue treatments once damage is found in the field.

Recommendations

    Preplant incorporated applications of liquid formulations of Lorsban are registered for wireworm control in popcorn. This is economically impractical in most cases. Use of a soil insecticide at planting when destructive wireworm populations exist or are anticipated provides the best means of reducing stand loss.

For more information, see Entfact-120, Wireworms.