Investigation of host rang of wireworms(Melanotus cribricolls) and their spatial distribution in soil.

Key Words： Melanotus cribricolls, Phyllostachys, bamboo species, spatial distribution

Abstract：        Shoots of 47 bamboo species from seven genera (Phyllostachys, Pseudosasa, Pleioblastus, Sinobambusa, Brachystachyum, Oligostachyum and Bambusa), were excavated using a special tool to examine the host range of wireworms (Melanotus cribricolls (Faldermann)) in the Anji Bamboo Museum & Garden. The other main pests of bamboo shoots were also investigated. It was found that 41 of 47 bamboo species are infested by wireworms, including at least 30 new host species of this pest. Analysis of the spatial distribution of wireworms in five bamboo species indicated that larger larvae were aggregated in soil. Statistical analysis indicates that wireworms caused less damage than noctuids, and that wireworms and noctuids have become the most pervasive bamboo pests in the Anji Bamboo Museum & Garden. We also found a lesser extent of shoot damage caused by Bipectilus zhejiangensi, leaf beetles, termites and parasitic flies. In view of the dispersal abilities and potential for damage of wireworms, we suggest that it would be prudent to attempt to control these pests by transplanting bamboo plants, soil improvement and breeding resistant bamboo varieties.