An EU-funded INBIOSOIL project has developed a new, eco-friendly method to control wireworm in potatoes that can be used in conventional and organic systems. The new method of pest control uses special formulated capsules [that] contain a strain of an entomopathogenic fungus that attacks specific pest insects and can reduce chemical pesticide use on potato farms.
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The capsules aim to control wireworms – currently regarded as the most pressing problem in potato production. ‘They contain compounds which are non-synthetic products and therefore their use is possible in both organic and conventional cropping systems…..
The launch of these capsules in 2016 in Germany came at a time, when virtually no specific synthetic compounds targeting wireworms were available. The compound used in conventional fields in the past was Fipronil….However, the European Commission introduced a moratorium on products suspected of playing a role in the bee disease Colony Collapse Disorder.
Read full, original article: Eco-efficient capsules to revolutionize pest control in potato crops
