ATTRACAP^®

Over the past few years, the extent of damage caused by wireworms in conventional and organic potato production has increased to alarming proportions. There are no effective control methods – or only strategies based on Article 53 of Regulation (EC) No 1107/2009 are available.
The applicants, working within the framework of a project launched by the German Federal Ministry of Food and Agriculture (BMEL) and a EU project, have developed a foundation for an innovative and effective pest management strategy. The capsules generate CO2 in a purely biological process, under the effect of soil moisture, attracting wireworms which come into contact with the biocidal ingredient (Metarhizium brunneum). The strategy significantly increases the likelihood of infection.
The main goal is to optimise the existing ATTRACAP^® product with a view to enhancing the efficacy of capsules and improving their efficiency. To achieve it, the innovative formula of the capsules needs to be optimised, and its efficacy must be evaluated under various field conditions. The consortium comprises a company dealing with the production and distribution of ATTRACAP^®. Both consultants are scheduled to contact farmers in whose fields tests are to be conducted, and assist in the test procedure. Studies outlined in the application are aimed at the optimisation of ATTRACAP^® for practical application in organic and conventional farming.