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Seedcorn Maggot and Dry Beans
The Seedcorn Maggot can be a pest any year, but poses greater risk during cool wet periods. The pale, yellowish-white maggot is the injurious stage. They are a particular problem on dry beans and corn. In North Dakota, the adult flies first emerge during May. The flies are attracted to sites for laying their eggs where there is an abundance of organic matter. They also lay eggs where seedlings are emerging. The eggs hatch at soil temperatures of 50F. The fly maggot may feed on decaying organic matter first, but eventually begin feeding on seed and roots. They burrow into seed, often destroying the germ.
For dry beans, seeds attacked by maggots usually fail to sprout; if it does sprout, the plant is weak and stunted. If soil temperatures are below 55F, germination and emergence of dry beans is slowed and will favor the seed corn maggot, which can develop at slightly lower temperatures.
If fields selected for dry beans have high plant residue and the outlook is for cool, wet conditions, control measures are justified. Dry bean seed can be protected from seed corn maggot with labeled seed treatment products containing Lindane or Lorsban. In addition, Thimet 20G is labeled as a band treatment at planting. Products containing Diazinon are also available. Read all labels regarding the use of these products.
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