A platform that aims to join up the industry’s response to the threat of wireworm is seeking new partners and collaborators.
The European Wireworm Research Network (EWRN) brings together researchers, agronomists and industry stakeholders to accelerate understanding and management of wireworm across European cropping systems. Its aim is to improve knowledge sharing, coordinate research priorities and support practical solutions for growers.
The pest
Wireworm damage has intensified across European arable systems, with potato and cereal growers bothreporting higher losses and downgrading in recent years. While the pestwas previously linked to grassland in the rotation, high populations are now appearingin long-term arable systems – a trend consistent with what’s been seen in otherEuropean countries.
The UK potato sector has suffered the most severe levels of damage for many years, and
pressure is expected to keep rising if coordinated research and knowledge exchange doesn’t take place.
EWRN working groups
To support a faster and more joined-up response, EWRN is now formally inviting researchers and industry partners to join the network.
By establishing four technical working groups to bring together expertise from across Europe, EWRN hopes to coordinate work to address the challenges posed by the widespread damage from wireworms.
The groups will focus on:
- Improving pest monitoring and population assessment
- Understanding agronomic and environmental risk factors
- Developing effective control and IPM strategies
- Anticipating future threats and knowledge gaps
Stakeholders wanted
The group is looking for support from researchers, growers, and other industry professionals from crop protection companies, breeders, agronomy services, processors and supply chain organisations.
With closer engagement, this should help identify the scale of the issue in different crops and regions, and accelerate the transfer of practical solutions to growers, says Martyn Cox.
“Wireworm is no longer a localised or background problem – it’s a growing threat to arable
rotations across Europe. By bringing researchers, agronomists and industry together, we can build the knowledge base we require and ensure practical tools reach farmers quickly.”
EWRN’s most recent online workshop attracted strong attendance and positive feedback,reflecting the scale of interest and urgency from both research and industry, adds Martryn.
Join the network
Those interested in joining the EWRN or participating in a working group are invited to register their interest at potatowireworms.com/member-area or email potato.wireworms@gmail.com
