Susceptibility of plants to attack by wireworms (Agriotes spp.)

In laboratory tests, larvae of Agriotes spp. were presented with a choice between seedlings of test plants, and of wheat, which is known to be susceptible. Some plants, e.g. onion, were as susceptible as wheat to wireworm attack whilst others (mustard, cabbage, French marigold, clover and flax) were less often attacked, partly because they are small and are shallow sown. All pea and bean plants exposed to wireworms were attacked but most tolerated attack and continued to grow.