Relative susceptibility of selected potato cultivars to feeding by two wireworm species at two soil moisture levels

Tubers from six potato (Solanum tuberosum L.) cultivars were exposed to the wireworms Melanotus communis (Gyllenhal) and Glyphonyx bimarginatus (Schaeffer) under no-choice conditions in the laboratory to determine the relative susceptibility of these cultivars to wireworm feeding under high and low soil moisture conditions. Feeding injury by G. bimarginatus was not affected by soil moisture but differed by cultivar. Percent injury, mean number of feeding holes, and volume of tuber consumed were significantly higher in Yukon Gold than all other cultivars. Neither head capsule width nor larval weight affected any of the feeding parameters measured for G. bimarginatus. Injury incidence and number of feeding holes caused by M. communis were significantly higher in high soil moisture conditions; soil moisture had no effect on the volume of tuber consumed. Melanotus communis consumed more tissue from Dark Red Norland and Yukon Gold than all other cultivars. Size of M. communis larvae did not affect any of the feeding parameters measured. This study provides evidence of host plant resistance in commercial potato cultivars and suggests planting less susceptible cultivars could be a viable strategy for integrated pest management of wireworm in potato.