First report of the occurrence of wireworm (Lanelater fuscipes) (Fabricius) as a pest in different field crops in India

Wireworm belongs to the Coleoptera order in the family Elateridae and is primarily located in Northern Karnataka, India. Recently, this highly successful pest was observed infesting maize, groundnut, sugarcane, ginger and onion crops, marking a new record of insect infestation. The pest causes damage to seeds, roots, stems, tubers and other plant parts by feeding, chewing or drilling into below-ground plant structures. This damage enhances secondary infections with plant diseases (bacteria or fungi), leading to plants that either fail to emerge or to produce good growth. The initial sighting of this insect occurred in various districts of Northern Karnataka, India. However, during a thorough two-year investigation from 2020 to 2021, it was found spreading to neighbouring areas. Consequently, without timely control measures, it poses a significant threat to various crops in Karnataka and adjoining areas. A survey was carried out in farmers' fields at regular intervals during crop growth. The host range and per cent incidence of wireworm were noted on various crops, including maize, groundnut, sugarcane, ginger and onion. Relatively higher incidence was noticed in maize at the seedling stage, in groundnut at both the germination as well as pod-filling stages and in sugarcane at the germination stage. However, in ginger and onion, higher incidence was recorded during the vegetative stage. Irrespective of the crop, wireworm incidence ranged from 20.93 to 37.16 percent. Wireworm grubs were collected from fields and sent to the All India Network Project on Soil Arthropods, for identification. They were identified as Lanelater fuscipes.