Two recent publications from the AgriMet project provide new insights into the use of the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum for the biological control of wireworms (Agriotes spp.). The research was conducted by Dr. Maximilian Paluch as part of his PhD thesis at the JKI – Institute for Plant Protection in Arable and Grassland Crops, in collaboration with the JKI – Institute for Biological Control.
The studies focused on two newly developed M. brunneum formulations – a millet-based granule and a water-dispersible powder. The results show that the granule can attract wireworms and thereby enhance contact with the entomopathogenic fungus. Even without feeding on the granule, contact alone – particularly in the wireworm species A. obscurus – can lead to increased mortality, highlighting the potential of an “attract-and-kill” approach. At the same time, it becomes evident that the effectiveness of both formulations under field conditions remains limited and requires further optimization for practical use. Key influencing factors include unfavorable soil temperature at the time of application and species-specific differences in wireworm susceptibility to M. brunneum.
Overall, the publications demonstrate both the potential and the current limitations of Metarhizium-based strategies for wireworm control and emphasize the need to better integrate biotic, abiotic, and species-specific factors into the future development of integrated pest management strategies.
- Paluch, M., Seib, T., Stephan, D., Jürgens, A., & Lehmhus, J. (2026). Behavioural response and susceptibility of wireworms (Agriotes spp.) to a millet-based granule Metarhizium brunneum formulation. Crop Protection, 107659. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2026.107659
- Paluch, M., Seib, T., Stephan, D., Immenroth, E., & Lehmhus, J. (2026). Abiotic, biotic and intrinsic factors limiting the effectiveness of two new Metarhizium brunneum formulations against wireworms in potato cultivation. Crop Protection, 107644. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cropro.2026.107644