 |
ProCrop |
Seedcorn Maggots
Seedcorn maggots are larvae of small flies resembling house flies. The flies deposit eggs in soil, especially where high organic matter exists. Eggs hatch in a few days and the maggots burrow into seeds. Infected seeds often do not emerge, resulting in stand loss. Even when infested seeds do germinate, plants may be weakened. There are no effective pre-plant monitoring techniques for seedcorn maggots. Fields that are heavily manured or fields where a cover crop has been turned under are particularly attractive to egg-laying flies.
Seed treatments containing diazinon or lindane are effective for seedcorn maggot control. Although treating seed when we don't know if a problem exists is a bit like buying insurance, it likely could be a good investment for a cool, wet spring.
Back to Seedcorn
Maggots - Insects Menu
Back to Insects Menu
Back to Main ProCrop Index
