A new DNA barcoding test has been launched, designed to help UK growers accurately identify wireworm species and protect crops from escalating damage.
Revealed at Groundswell 2025 by Fera Science, the new tool has been developed as part of Fera’s ENIGMA I research project to meet the demand for more effective wireworm Integrated Pest Management (IPM).
Principal entomologist, Dr Larissa Collins, led the project. She says the findings have revealed that climate change is creating more favourable conditions for wireworm populations. “There are more than 60 species of wireworms in the UK but only a handful are crop pests; others do no harm and some are even predators of the crop-damaging species.
“This means understanding which species are present is critical to managing pest populations effectively,” she continues.
The new DNA barcoding test can help growers to pinpoint exactly which wireworm species are present in their fields. This should help to optimise pest management decisions to minimise crop damage and ensure that interventions, including cultural controls and insecticides, are used in the most effective way, adds Larissa.
ENIGMA project
The new solution is a direct outcome of the ENIGMA I research project – a collaboration with industry partners Blackthorn Arable, Elveden Estate, G’s Growers, inov3PT, Pearce Seeds and Syngenta.
The work involved analysing more than 13,000 field-collected click beetles to study wireworm life cycles, responses to increasing temperatures, damage patterns, and risk factors across multiple crops, revealing the six wireworm species most concerning for UK growers.
“We’ve worked closely with industry partners to develop a test to identify wireworms which aren’t possible to identify by visual examination, from samples sent in by growers,” explains Larissa.
“Growers purchasing a test will receive a kit to return to us with wireworms in for testing, and if required, we can supply a bait bag to help with collection. Using the samples, we can also measure the wireworms to give an indication of larval instar, so the timing of the lifecycle can also be used to make decisions about crop rotation and control measures.”
Species ID
The test makes identification of species, even small wireworms, possible, providing growers with actionable insights to implement IPM measures and reduce damage. Larissa adds that this research project has been crucial in developing a framework for sustainable pest management.
“With the impact of climate change, the shift towards sustainable agriculture and an increasing push towards IPM, these informative tools are becoming increasingly important to help farmers and agronomists make fully informed decisions.”
To find out more about the testing kits, or get involved with Fera’s next wireworm project please contact larissa.collins@fera.co.uk
