Date of Award:

5-1-1985

Document Type:

Thesis

Degree Name:

Master of Science (MS)

Department:

Biology

Department name when degree awarded

Biology (Entomology)

Committee Chair(s)

Donald W. Davis

Committee

Donald W. Davis

Committee

B. Austin Haws

Committee

Rulon Albrechsten

Abstract

Elaterid, or wireworm, larvae occur commonly in farms around Logan, Cache County, Utah. Farmers have reported damage to crops such as wheat, barley, corn and vegetables. Field observations have verified the presence of wireworms on many crops. Wirewarms affecting wheat and barley were studied during two seasons. The major wireworm activity occurred during May and June. Wireworms occurring in wheat and barley fields were sampled and evaluated during 1981 and 1982. Nearly all species were Aeolus mellillus or Limonius infuscatus. Larger larvae of both these species inflicted damage to crops, mostly during May. Aeolus mellillus larvae predominated in wheat grown on comparatively low-lying fields, whereas Limonius infuscatus larvae were in greater numbers during late May in grain grown in higher ground. L. infuscatus tended to be more common in barley. The cropping system (crop rotation}, weeds and other insects found in the area were considered in light of their possible influence on wireworms. Temperature and precipitation records were kept during the period of study. Irrigation applied throughout the area was the main source of moisture in spring grain. Downward movement of wireworms to escape unfavorable soil conditions near the surface and movements upward toward the surface in search of feeding sites were noted in the sampling. The life histories of the wireworm species (Aeolus mellillus and Limonius infuscatus) were studied in the greenhouse and compared to published information. The mature larvae were the most damaging and most closely correlated with field injury. Further studies of those two wireworm species in Northern Utah are needed. Factors such as temperature, moisture (irrigation water), predators, and the cropping systems influencing wireworm survival are some of the relationships requiring study.

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