Wireworms have met their match in spuds

An insecticide previously approved only for field corn and non-crop uses is headed for release next spring in potatoes, thanks to an integrated pest management project for wireworm control led by University of Idaho entomologist Juan Manuel Alvarez.

Fipronil, marketed as Regent by BASF Corp. of Research Triangle Park, received U.S. Environmental Protection Agency approval for use in potatoes in September.