Crop rotation key to control wireworms

November 25, 2025

Wireworms damage is high on the list of concerns for many growers and traders. The larvae live hidden in the soil, have a wide range of host plants and effective chemicals are becoming increasingly scarce. The economic consequences are huge: loss of quality, substantial loss of yield and, in extreme cases, even complete crop failure. That is precisely why there is growing interest in new, integrated strategies.

Rotation cultivation as a breakthrough

During the webinar, Dr. Christine Noronha (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada) will present the latest insights from her research on rotational cultivation as a control strategy. In a multi-year study, she tested various rotation crops for their effectiveness against wireworms. The results are promising. In fewer plots, she identified heavy infections, confirming the great potential of targeted rotations.

These findings are relevant for both conventional and integrated cultivation strategies, and fit seamlessly with the industry’s search for practical, sustainable solutions.

Expert with an innovative perspective

Dr. Noronha is internationally known for her innovative approach within Integrated Pest Management. She includes:

• Inventor of the NELT™, a solar-powered trap for click beetles;
• Developer of the “Stem Crusher”, aimed at mastering the European corn borer in potatoes;
• Pioneer in rotational strategies for reducing wireworms.

In addition, she is active in numerous international collaborations with researchers, advisors and growers in Canada, Europe and the United States. Her work has been recognized with multiple awards, including the Agrologist Recognition Award (2016) and a mention as one of the Influential Women in Canadian Agriculture (2022).

Why this webinar is interesting for potato professionals

• You get direct access to the latest research results.
• You will learn how rotation strategies can be effectively applied in your crop planning.
• You will gain insight into practical measures that fit within sustainable cultivation systems.
• You can ask plenty of questions to an internationally renowned expert.

Practical information

Date: Wednesday 10 December 2025

Time: 14:00 European time. You can register via this link.

The World Potato Congress invites all potato professionals to participate in this webinar and gain knowledge from international research that is directly applicable in practice.

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