The European-funded INBIOSOIL project has developed a new, eco-friendly method to control wireworm in potatoes that can be used in conventional and organic systems.
The method uses special capsules called ATRACAP, which contain a strain of an entomopathogenic fungus that attacks specific pest insects and can reduce chemical pesticide use on European farms.
The German firm BIOCARE recently began producing the capsules. They’re aimed at controlling wireworms, currently regarded as one of the most pressing problems affecting potato production in Europe.
“We are overwhelmed by inquiries from farmers willing to use the product on their fields, therefore the upscaling of production will continue. We expect ATRACAP to become a standard control strategy for both organic and conventional farmers,” Stefan Vidal, INBIOSOIL project co-ordinator, said.
“They contain compounds which are non-synthetic products and therefore their use is possible in both organic and conventional cropping systems. The ‘Attract & Kill’ strategy, based on these capsules, will substitute the use of synthetic chemical insecticides,” Vidal explained.
For more information, visit European Commission.
