Soybeans: Seedcorn Maggot (Delia platura)

Pub 812: Field Crop Protection Guide > Pub 812: Soybeans > Seedcorn Maggot

Field Crop Protection Guide 2011-2012, Order 2011-2012 publication

Table of Contents

  1. Description
  2. Integrated Pest Management Options
    • Seed Treatment
      • diazinon + captan - Agrox B-2, Agrox CD
      • thiamethoxam - Cruiser 5 FS
      • thiamethoxam + metalaxyl-M + fludioxonil - Cruiser Maxx Beans
  3. Related links...


Description

The seedcorn maggot is a small, yellowish-white, headless, legless larva. The body tapers to the front with two small mouth hooks protracting. The maggots burrow into germinating seeds and the below-ground parts of emerging seedlings, producing weak seedlings. The adults resemble a small housefly that is slender, light grey and approximately 5 mm in length.

Image 1. Seedcorn maggots are small, headless, legless larvae that burrow into germinating seeds and weaken the seedling.
Image 1. Seedcorn maggots are small, headless, legless larvae that burrow into germinating seeds and weaken the seedling.

Integrated Pest Management Options

Seed Treatment

Consider insecticide seed treatments in early planted fields where large amounts of manure, green manure, or residue have been recently incorporated or when cool conditions unfavourable for emergence are expected. Expect only 60%-70% control with seed treatments applied on-farm.

 
Active ingredient diazinon + captan
Trade name Agrox B-2
Rate (product) 340 g per 100 kg seed
Comments Available as 2-kg container that will treat 625 kg of soybean seed. Do not use on seed already treated with an insecticide. Seed within 1 month of treatment.

 

 
Active ingredient diazinon + captan
Trade name Agrox CD
Rate (product) 200 g per 100 kg seed
Comments Available as a 600-g container that will treat 300 kg of soybean seed. Use this product only on seed previously treated with captan or thiram.

 

 
Active ingredient thiamethoxam
Trade name Cruiser 5 FS
Rate (product) 50-83 mL per 100 kg seed
Comments For use in commercial seed treatment facilities only. Use higher rate when insect populations are expected to be high. Do not graze or feed livestock on treated areas for 45 days after planting.

 

 
Active ingredient thiamethoxam + metalaxyl-M + fludioxonil
Trade name Cruiser Maxx Beans
Rate (product) 195 mL per 100 kg seed
Comments For commercial seed treatment facilities only. Compatible with Rhizobium-based inoculants. Check with inoculant manufacturers for details prior to use. Do not graze or feed livestock on treated areas for 45 days after planting.

 

Related links...

 


For more information:
Toll Free: 1-877-424-1300
Local: (519) 826-4047
E-mail: ag.info.omafra@ontario.ca
Author: OMAFRA Staff
Creation Date: 2 May 2011
Last Reviewed: 11 May 2011