Bob Vernon is tracking the not-so-elusive wireworm.
The Agriculture Canada entomologist and researcher from Agassiz, B.C., has started a national survey of the crop pest.
“We’re trying to find something that kills wireworm,” said Vernon.
He said available insecticides only stun wireworms until the crop has a chance to advance. Lindane, which was banned in 2004, killed wireworms as well as newly hatched larvae.
Vernon hopes to establish which species are present in Canada and how best to control them.
Producers are asked to collect wireworms and some of the soil in which they are found and send them to his B.C. lab in plastic containers such as old film cans.
Vernon’s address is Agriculture Canada, 6947 #7 Hwy, P.O. Box 1000, Agassiz, B.C. V0M 1A0.
