Calculate wireworm infestation risk in potato fields using traps

Assessing wireworm risk in arable fields using soil traps with soaked grains enables early detection of infestations, particularly for potato, carrot, and onion cultivation. Traps are placed at 10 cm depth in spring when soil temperature reaches 8 °C, with 10–15 traps per hectare. After 7–10 days, counting wireworms indicates risk: one or more per trap signals high infestation, prompting avoidance of sensitive crops and preference for tolerant ones like cereals and millet. The method mimics CO2-emitting roots to attract wireworms, but low numbers do not guarantee safety. Developed by FiBL in Switzerland (2017), the tool is part of OK-Net Arable and available in English (USA) and German (Switzerland) on Organic Eprints.