Evaluating the interaction between buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum (Polygonaceae) and wireworm Agriotes sputator L. (Coleoptera: Elateridae)

Laboratory experiments were carried out to determine if buckwheat, Fagopyrum esculentum, produces phytochemicals that act as deterrents, anti-feedants, or toxins against Agriotes sputator wireworms. Choice assays were conducted to test the attractiveness of germinating, branching and flowering buckwheat, red spring wheat (Triticum spp) and island barley (Hordeum vulgare) to the larvae. There was no evidence that the wireworms were deterred by buckwheat and the germinating stage of all three crops was the most attractive. Twenty-one day, no choice feeding assays were conducted to determine change in mass and mortality of A. sputator larvae when fed buckwheat or barley; no differences between hosts were observed. However, while wireworm herbivory significantly reduced the growth of barley, it did not affect buckwheat, suggesting that this species may produce anti-feedants. Longer feeding assays and field trials are required to confirm this possibility.