Technical notes. A preliminary investigation into control of false wireworm in the Darling Downs

Abstract

Damage by the false wireworm, Gonocephalum sp. ? (det. Commonwealth Institute of Entomology, Aug. 1958), to newly germinated crops, both summer and winter, occurs sporadically on the Darling Downs. When larval populations are high, extensive thinning of the stand occurs and replanting may be necessary. The areas most frequently affected are Clifton-Nobby, Evanslea-Mt.Irving, and to the west of Dalby. Infestations usually occur on the lighter soil types and are noticeably worse on land where stubble of the previous crop has been ploughed in. A weedy fallow is ideal for false wireworm build-up. The beetles congregate around and under the weeds to oviposit, and this accounts for the subsequent scattered areas of larval attack.