Wireworm Control in Corn

The article is regarding Wireworms, which are one of the most common problem insects in North Dakota corn and small grain production. Many growers are convinced that insecticidal treatment helps prevent seed damage. Unfortunately, seed treatments will not prevent seedling damage, which is very prevalent when soil moisture is abundant early in the growing season. So long as moisture is adequate in a wireworm-infested field, they will remain near the surface to feed. To obtain additional data on wireworm control in corn, field trials were continued in 1971 to further evaluate insecticidal compounds tested in 1970 and to examine several additional compounds. The insecticides used in the 1970-71 wireworm trials were all unregistered for use as band applications in wireworm control with the exception of Aldrin and Belt. It is this study which is discussed in this article. Results of the 1970 wireworm control trials indicate that Thimet 15G at the rate of one pound actual per acre gave acceptable wireworm control and corn seedling protection