Formulating entomopathogenic fungi, Beauveria bassiana, for enhanced control of wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) in potatoes

Wireworms, the larval stage of click beetles (Elateridae), are common subterranean agricultural pests. They feed on underground crops such as root and tuber crops. In the mid-Atlantic area, potatoes crop systems are especially vulnerable to their pest populations. The present challenge in agriculture regarding wireworms are the few management options left to combat their economically detrimental damage. Fungal based control methods allow for an added and notably sustainable option within the agriculutral industry. Research focused on determining the efficacy of naturally occurring parasitic fungi against wireworms is needed now more than ever. In 2021, a bioassay using mesocosm containers was conducted in order to determine the effect of Beauveria bassiana pathogenic granular formulations for control of wireworms in an outdoor yet controlled environment. The fungal strain used was ANT03, as supported by prior infectivity investigative work. Three different granular formulations (wheat, millet, and rice) of the entomopathogenic fungi were applied in-furrow to field soil filled containers with a potato seed piece placed on top to best simulate potato planting procedures. At the end of the study, wireworm mortality was assessed as well as feeding wounds to potato tubers. Results from said mesocosm study has been analyzed and will be presented.