Toxicity of 1,3-dichloropropene and fosthiazate to wireworms (Agriotes spp.)

Wireworms (Agriotes spp.) are sporadic but increasingly important pests of potatoes, sugar beet and cereals. Whilst effective chemical control is possible, the granular organophosphates normally require high rates of application and the seed dressings containing lindane (gamma-HCH) have been withdrawn from use. The soil fumigant 1,3-dichloropropene (1,3-D as Teione II) and the granular nematicide fosthiazate (Nemathorin 10G) are currently used for the control of potato cyst nematodes. We investigated the effects of both of these chemicals on wireworms. Air-vapour phase toxicities for 1,3-D against wireworm were LD50 2.74 mg.litre.day and LD99 5.05 mg.litre.day. The in vitro soil phase toxicity was LD99 8.15 mg.litre.day. 1,3-D soil phase activity against wireworm may be associated more with air-vapour phase than a soil-water phase activity. In glasshouse experiments 16.0 mg.litre.day of 1,3-D gave 75% control. Fosthiazate, which is applied at approximately 2 mug g(-1) of soil for potato cyst nematode control, achieved an LC50 at 3.20 mug g(-1). In both in vitro and glasshouse studies 1,3-dichloropropene showed high toxicity to wireworm at dosages below the current commercial application rate for potato cyst nematode control and fosthiazate also showed useful efficacy. These chemicals may therefore prove to be valuable additional tools for limiting initial wireworm plant damage or reducing wireworm populations.