Natural and Synthetic Agents Shape WirewormBehaviour: Responses of Agriotes lineatus and A. litigiosus

Wireworms (Coleoptera: Elateridae) are major subterranean crop pests whose hidden soil-dwelling behaviour and strong orientation toward plant roots complicate their control within Integrated Pest Management (IPM). We aimed to determine whether selected natural and synthetic agents could influence the behaviour of two wireworm species, Agriotes lineatus and A. litigiosus, and thus support more sustainable control approaches. Using dual-choice soil olfactometers and rhizotron assays, we quantified larval movement in response to two types of compost tea (CT16, CT19), the synthetic volatile organic compound 3-octanone, and the entomopathogenic fungus Metarhizium brunneum (strain 1868). Compost tea CT16 acted as a significant attractant, CT19 showed no significant effect, and both 3-octanone and M. brunneum significantly repelled larvae of both species. Furthermore, rhizotron observations confirmed reduced time spent in treated zones in the 3-octanone and fungal treatments, indicating strong avoidance behaviour. Species-specific differences were minor and limited to the lower overall response rate observed in A. lineatus. These findings highlight clear differences in wireworm behavioural responses to both natural and synthetic agents, offering promising tools for developing push–pull–based wireworm management. Future field studies are needed to validate their practical applicability and clarify underlying mechanisms.