A simple and affordable molecular tool for identifying wireworm larvae of the genus Agriotes

Abstract

Here, we describe a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) -based approach to identify click beetle larvae within the genus Agriotes commonly known as wireworms. Since 15 years, damages due to wireworms within the genus Agriotes have significantly upsurged on several crops. From the four main species occurring in France (A.sordidus, A. lineatus, A. obscurus and A. sputator), the last three are very difficult to morphologically identify in their larval stage. It is in this context that we have modified a method of identifying Agriotes species by Multiplex PCR using the primers previously developed by an Austrian laboratory. The main modifications involve the extraction method and the development of the reaction mixture. This work makes it possible to offer a rapid and low-cost identification service for larvae of Agriotes which is currently lacking in France.