Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

A survey of microbial antagonists of Agriotes wireworms from Germany and Italy

  • Original Paper
  • Published:
Journal of Pest Science Aims and scope Submit manuscript

Abstract

Wireworms of the genus Agriotes (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are severe and widespread agricultural pests affecting numerous crops throughout the world and causing damage of economic importance. Between 2008 and 2011, a survey of the occurrence of natural microbial antagonists of wireworms was conducted. Altogether, 3,420 wireworms and two dead beetles from agricultural habitats and grassland of various parts of Germany and 700 lab-reared wireworms from Italy were screened for the presence of disease. Of these, 283 selected dead and moribund Agriotes specimens were diagnosed by light and electron microscopy for insect pathogens; 66 wireworms contained unspecified bacterial infections; and 86 specimens displayed fungal growth with 25 infected by the entomopathogenic taxa Beauveria bassiana, Metarhizium anisopliae, Isaria fumosorosea, Isaria spp. and Lecanicillium sp. Nematodes were observed in 29 dead individuals, and 141 individuals showed no distinguishable pathogens. In one dead Agriotes larva, an intracellular bacterium was identified as a new Rickettsiella pathotype named ‘Rickettsiella agriotidis’. The survey resulted in a natural infection rate of 0.66 %. The possible use of these pathogens as biocontrol agents is discussed.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this article

Log in via an institution

Price excludes VAT (USA)
Tax calculation will be finalised during checkout.

Instant access to the full article PDF.

Institutional subscriptions

Similar content being viewed by others

References

  • Ansari MA, Tirry L, Vestergaard S, Moens M (2004) Selection of a highly virulent fungal isolate, Metarhizium anisopliae CLO 53, for controlling Hoplia philanthus. J Invertebr Pathol 85:89–96

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Ansari MA, Evans M, Butt TM (2009) Identification of pathogenic strains of entomopathogenic nematodes and fungi for wireworm control. Crop Prot 28:269–272

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Costa GLD, Moraes AMLD, Oliveira PCD (1998) Pathogenic action of Penicillium species on mosquito vectors of human tropical diseases. J Basic Microbiol 38(5–6):337–341

    PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Dhileepan K, Nair RR, Leena S (1990) Aspergillus candidus Link as an entomopathogen of spindle bug Carvalhoia arecae M & C (Miridae: Heteroptera). Planter 66(775):519–521

    Google Scholar 

  • Doane JF, Klingler J, Welch HE (1973) Parasitism of Agriotes obscurus Linnaeus (Coleoptera: Elateridae) by Hexamermis sp. (Nematoda: Mermithidae). Bull Soc Entomol Suisse 45:299–300

    Google Scholar 

  • Domsch KH, Gams W, Anderson TH (1980) Compendium of soil fungi. Academic Press, London

    Google Scholar 

  • Ericsson JD, Kabaluk JT, Goettel MS, Myers JH (2007) Spinosad interacts synergistically with the insect pathogen Metarhizium anisopliae against the exotic wireworms Agriotes lineatus and Agriotes obscurus (Coleoptera: Elateridae). J Econ Entomol 100:31–38

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Ester A, Huiting H (2007) Controlling wireworms (Agriotes spp.) in a potato crop with biologicals. OILB/SROP Bull 30(1):189-196

    Google Scholar 

  • Evans AC, Gough HC (1942) Observations on some factors influencing growth in wireworms of the genus Agriotes Esch. Ann Appl Biol 29(2):168–175

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Filipchuk OD, Yaroshenko VA, Ismailov VY, Vyatkina G (1995) Effectiveness of biological and chemical preparations against tobacco pests. Agrokhimiya 8:81–86

    Google Scholar 

  • Fox CJS (1961) The incidence of green muscardine in the European wireworm, Agriotes obscurus (Linnaeus), in Nova Scotia. J Insect Pathol 3:94–95

    Google Scholar 

  • Fox CJS, Jaques RP (1958) Note on the green-muscardine fungus, Metarrhizium anisopliae (Metch.) Sor., as a control for wireworms. Can Entomol 15(5):314–315

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Furlan L (1996) The biology of Agriotes ustulatus Schaller (Col., Elateridae). 1. Adults and oviposition. J Appl Entomol 120(5):269–274

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Furlan L (1998) The biology of Agriotes ustulatus Schaller (Col., Elateridae). II. Larval development, pupation, whole cycle description and practical implications. J Appl Entomol 122(1–5):71–78

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Furlan L (2004) The biology of Agriotes sordidus Illiger (Col., Elateridae). J Appl Entomol 128(9–10):696–706

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Furlan L, Bonetto C, Costa B, Finotto A, Lazzeri L (2009) Observations on natural mortality factors in wireworm populations and evaluation of management options. IOBC/WPRS Bull 45:436–439

    Google Scholar 

  • Hawkins JH (1936) The bionomics and control of wireworms in Maine. Bull Maine Agric Exp Stn 381:1–146

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Humber R (1997) Fungi: identification. In: Lacey LA (ed) Manual of techniques in insect pathology. Academic Press, San Diego, CA, pp 153–185

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Humber R (2012) Identification of entomopathogenic fungi. In: Lacey LA (ed) Manual of techniques in invertebrate pathology. Academic Press, San Diego, pp 151–187

    Chapter  Google Scholar 

  • Kabaluk JT, Ericsson JD (2007) Environmental and behavioural constraints on the infection of wireworms by Metarhizium anisopliae. Environ Entomol 36:1415–1429

    Article  PubMed  Google Scholar 

  • Kabaluk JT, Goettel MS, Erlandson MA, Ericsson JD, Duke GM, Vernon RS (2005) Metarhizium anisopliae as a biological control for wireworms and a report of some other naturally-occurring parasites. IOBC/WPRS Bull 28(2):109–115

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabaluk JT, Goettel MS, Ericsson JD, Erlandson MA, Vernon RS, Jaronski S, Mackenzie K, Cosgrove L (2007a) Promise versus performance: working toward the use of Metarhizium anisopliae as a biological control for wireworms. IOBC/WPRS Bull 30:69–76

    Google Scholar 

  • Kabaluk JT, Vernon RS, Goettel MS (2007b) Mortality and infection of wireworm, Agriotes obscurus [Coleoptera: Elateridae], with inundative field applications of Metarhizium anisopliae. Phytoprot 88:51–56

    Google Scholar 

  • Keller S (1976) An epizootic of the fungus Entomophthora elateridiphaga in a population of the click beetle, Agriotes sputator. Schweiz Landwirtsch Forsch 15:489–495

    Google Scholar 

  • Keller S (1994) The fungus Zoophthora elateridiphaga as an important mortality factor of the click beetle Agriotes sputator. J Invert Pathol 63:90–91

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Klausnitzer K (1994) Familie Elateridae. In: Klausnitzer BE (ed) Die Larven der Käfer Mitteleuropas. Gustav Fischer, Jena, pp 118–189

    Google Scholar 

  • Kölliker U, Biasio L, Jossi W (2011) Potential control of Swiss wireworms with entomopathogenic fungi. IOBC/WPRS Bull 66:517–520

    Google Scholar 

  • Kuhar PT, Speese J III, Whalen J, Alvarez JM, Alyokhin A, Ghidiu G, Spellman MR (2003) Current status of insecticidal controls for wireworms in potatoes. Pestic Outlook 14(6):265–267

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Lacey LA, Unruh TR, Simkins H, Thomsen-Archer K (2007) Gut bacteria associated with the Pacific Coast wireworm, Limonius canus, inferred from 16 s rDNA sequences and their implications for control. Phytoparasit 35:479–489

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Ladurner E, Quentin U, Franceschini S, Benuzzi M (2009) Efficacy evaluation of the entomopathogenic fungus Beauveria bassiana strain ATCC 74040 against wireworms (Agriotes spp.) on potato. IOBC/WPRS Bull 45:445–448

    Google Scholar 

  • Leclerque A, Kleespies RG, Ritter C, Schuster C, Feiertag S (2011) Genetic and electron-microscopic characterization of ‘Rickettsiella agriotidis’, a new Rickettsiella pathotype associated with a wireworm, Agriotes sp. (Coleoptera: Elateridae). Curr Microbiol 63:158–163

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Leclerque A, Mitkovets PV, Fatu A-C, Schuster C, Kleespies RG (2012) Ribosomal RNA phylogeny of bacterial and fungal pathogens of Agriotes wireworms. J Pest Sci. doi:10.1007/s10340-012-0450-1

  • Mietkiewski R, Balazy S (1982) The fungus Isaria nipponica discovered in Poland. Bull Acad Pol Sci Ser Sci Biol 30(1–12):89–93

    Google Scholar 

  • Padmanaban B, Selvarajan R, Kandasamy M, Balasubramanian V (2002) Occurrence of fungi Scopulariopsis brevicaulis (Saccardo) Bainer and Aspergillus flavus Link as entomopathogens of banana stem weevil, Odoiporus longicollis Oliver (Curculionidae: Coleoptera). Entomon 27(4):411–413

    Google Scholar 

  • Parker WE, Howard JJ (2001) The biology and management of wireworms (Agriotes spp.) on potato with particular reference to the U.K. Agric For Entomol 3:85–98

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Pic M, Pierre É, Martinez M, Genson G, Rasplus JY, Albert H (2008) Les Taupins du Genre Agriotes Démasqués par leurs Empreintes Génétiques. 8. Conf Intern sur les Ravageurs en Agric., ANPP, Montpellier

  • Remaudière G, Keller S, Papierok B, Latgé JP (1976) Considérations systematiques et biologiques sur quelques espèces d’Entomophthora du groupe Sphaerosperma pathogens d’insectes [Phycomycètes: Entomophthoraceae]. Entomophaga 21(2):163–178

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Rockwood LP (1950) Entomogenous fungi of the genus Metarrhizium on wireworms in the Pacific Northwest. Ann Entomol Soc Am 43:495–498

    Google Scholar 

  • Russell BM, Kay BH, Shipton W (2001) Survival of Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) eggs in surface and subterranean breeding sites during the northern Queensland dry season. J Med Entomol 38(3):441–445

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Staudacher K, Pitterl P, Furlan L, Cate PC, Traugott M (2011) PCR-based species identification of Agriotes larvae. Bull Entomol Res 101(2):201–210

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sufyan M, Neuhoff D, Furlan L (2007) Investigations on click beetles using pheromone traps. OILB/SROP Bull 30:83–87

    Google Scholar 

  • Tinline RD, Zacharuk RY (1960) Pathogenicity of Metarrhizium anisopliae (Metch.) Sor. and Beauveria bassiana (Bals.) Vuill. to two species of Elateridae. Nature 187:794–795

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Toba HH, Lindegren JE, Turner JE, Vail PV (1983) Susceptibility of the colorado potato beetle and the sugarbeet wireworm to Steinernema feltiae and Steinernema glaseri. J Nematol 15(4):597–601

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vernon RS, Van Herk WG, Clodius M, Harding C (2009) Wireworm management I: stand protection versus wireworm mortality with wheat seed treatments. J Econ Entomol 102:2126–2136

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Vidal S (2010) Probleme durch neue Schädlinge. Land & Forst 21:17–19

    Google Scholar 

  • Wraight SP, Lacey LA, Kabaluk JT, Goettel MS (2009) Potential for microbial biological control of coleopteran and hemipteran pests of potato. In: Tennant P, Benkeblia N (eds) Fruit, vegetable and cereal science and biotechnology, (Spec. Issue 1/Potato II) 25–38

  • Zacharuk RY (1973) Penetration of the cuticular layers of elaterid larvae (Coleoptera) by the fungus Metarrhizium anisopliae, and notes on a bacterial invasion. J Invertebr Pathol 21(1):101–106

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Zacharuk RY, Tinline RD (1968) Pathogenicity of Metarrhizium anisopliae, and other fungi, for five Elaterids (Coleoptera) in Saskatchewan. J Invertebr Pathol 12(3):294–309

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

Download references

Acknowledgments

The authors thank Dr. Lorenzo Furlan, Veneto Agricultura, Agripolis, 35020 Legnaro, Italy, for providing Agriotes larvae for the diagnostic investigations. We thank the unknown reviewers for critical comments and suggestions. We are also highly indebted to Dr. Lerry Lacey (USDA, USA) for critical review and editing of this manuscript. This study was financially supported by the German Federal Ministry of Food, Agriculture and Consumer Protection (BMELV) through the Federal Office for Agriculture and Food (BLE), Grant No. 2808HS005.

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Institute for Biological Control, Julius Kühn-Institut (JKI), Federal Research Centre for Cultivated Plants, Heinrichstraße 243, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany

    Regina G. Kleespies, Gisbert Zimmermann, Simon Feiertag & Andreas Leclerque

  2. Institute for Agriculture and Fishing Research, Mecklenburg-Vorpommern, Centre for Field Vegetable Production, Dorfplatz 1, 18276, Gülzow, Germany

    Claudia Ritter & Simon Feiertag

  3. In der Hohl 25A, 64367, Mühltal, Germany

    Gisbert Zimmermann

  4. Dienstleistungszentrum Ländlicher Raum (DLR), Rheinhessen-Nahe-Hunsrück, Rüdesheimer Str. 60–68, 55545, Bad Kreuznach, Germany

    Frank Burghause

  5. Institut für Mikrobiologie und Genetik, Technische Universität Darmstadt, Schnittspahnstraße 10, 64287, Darmstadt, Germany

    Andreas Leclerque

Authors
  1. Regina G. Kleespies
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Claudia Ritter
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Gisbert Zimmermann
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  4. Frank Burghause
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  5. Simon Feiertag
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  6. Andreas Leclerque
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Corresponding author

Correspondence to Regina G. Kleespies.

Additional information

Communicated by M. Traugott.

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

About this article

Cite this article

Kleespies, R.G., Ritter, C., Zimmermann, G. et al. A survey of microbial antagonists of Agriotes wireworms from Germany and Italy. J Pest Sci 86, 99–106 (2013). https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-012-0447-9

Download citation

  • Received:

  • Accepted:

  • Published:

  • Issue Date:

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s10340-012-0447-9

Keywords

Search

Navigation