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Title: Spinosad Application Prevents Damage by Agriotes spp. Larvae (Wireworms) and Protects Maize (Zea mays) Yield in Northeast Italy
Authors: Fernando Rodrigo de Oliveira Cantao, Giovanni Mian
Journal: Plant Protection
Publisher: Center for Community Learning
Country: Pakistan
Year: 2023
Volume: 7
Issue: 1
Language: English
Keywords: Zea maysBiocontrolIPMWirewormsAgriotes spp.
Agriotes spp. larvae, commonly known as wireworms, are major pests that cause great economic damage to many European crops. To combat them, most farmers prophylactically apply soil insecticides, including high-impact ones such as neonicotinoids. However, due to their hidden life cycle below ground, wireworms are difficult to control, especially in organic farming where persistent, non-specific soil insecticides cannot be used. As legislation tightens regulation on chemical insecticides that have harmful effects on humans and the environment (such as the withdrawal of many chemicals and the general limitation of all of them), biological control agents are gaining attention as an alternative strategy. The aim of this study was to investigate the agronomic effectiveness of Spinosad, a bioinsecticide, in row application during planting to manage wireworms in maize ( Zea mays ) in Northern Italy. Based on the performance of Spinosad, even in harsh conditions as observed throughout this study, and its ability to mitigate yield losses compared to the non-treated control, we conclude that this product can be used as part of an Integrated Pest Management to mitigate the damages caused by this pest in organic agriculture. However, further studies are required to better understand how this bioinsecticide can be integrated into Agriotes spp management to reduce economic losses and have a positive impact on the environment and public health
To investigate the agronomic effectiveness of Spinosad, a bioinsecticide, applied in row during planting to manage wireworms (Agriotes spp. larvae) in maize (Zea mays) in Northern Italy.
The study was conducted in Friuli Venezia Giulia, Italy, in 2018, using a commercial maize field. Two treatments were tested: a non-treated control (NTC) and Spinosad applied directly in the row during planting at a rate of 25 mL/L, with 120 L of solution per hectare. The experimental design was a Randomized Complete Block Design (RCBD) with four replications. Effectiveness was assessed by evaluating the percentage of emerged plants, percentage of damaged plants at V3 and V6 growth stages, the number of Agriotes spp. larvae before harvest using seed bait traps, and grain yield. Statistical analysis was performed using one-way ANOVA and Tukey's SD test.
graph TD;
A[Experimental Setup: Maize Field in NE Italy] --> B[Apply Treatments: Spinosad in-row vs. NTC];
B --> C[Assess Emerged Plants];
C --> D[Assess Damaged PlantsV3 & V6];
D --> E[Count Wireworm LarvaeBait Traps];
E --> F[Measure Grain Yield];
F --> G[Statistical Analysis ANOVA, Tukey Test];
G --> H[Draw Conclusions];
The study suggests that Spinosad is an effective bioinsecticide for managing wireworms in maize, contributing to increased plant stand, reduced damage, lower pest populations, and ultimately higher yields. This aligns with the growing need for biological control agents in organic agriculture due to restrictions on synthetic insecticides. The findings support the integration of Spinosad into Integrated Pest Management (IPM) strategies for wireworm control in organic farming.
Spinosad application resulted in a higher percentage of emerged plants (91%) compared to the non-treated control (9% higher). The percentage of wireworm-damaged plants was significantly lower in Spinosad-treated plots at both V3 (11.25% vs 23.5% in NTC) and V6 (6.5% vs 15.25% in NTC) growth stages. The number of Agriotes spp. larvae before harvest was lower in Spinosad-treated plots (94 larvae) compared to the NTC (123.5 larvae). Spinosad treatment led to a 22.7% increase in maize yield compared to the NTC.
Spinosad applied in-row during planting is effective in improving maize stand, reducing plant damage by wireworms, decreasing pest populations, and protecting yield in Northeast Italy. It is a promising environmentally-friendly option for IPM in organic agriculture, with potential applications in other crops and for different pests. Further research is needed to optimize its integration into broader pest management strategies.
* Spinosad is a bioinsecticide derived from the soil actinomycete, Saccharopolyspora spinosa. (Confirmed in text)
* The experiment was conducted in Friuli Venezia Giulia region (Italy, NE) in 2018. (Confirmed in text)
* Spinosad application resulted in a 22.7% increase in maize yield compared to the non-treated control. (Confirmed in text)
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