See new fact sheet on Seedcorn Maggot
Yellowish-white, legless, 1/4 to 1/2 inch long.
Young beans, peas, beet and corn. Also melon, cucumber and potato sprouts.
Bores into sprouting seed and prevents development of plants; particularly destructive to early planted seed.
Throughout United States .
Pupae of seedcorn maggots overwinter in soil.When adults emerge in the spring, they feed on plant nectar or honeydew. Females deposit an average of over 250 eggs in plant debris or in moist, disturbed soil, preferring soils with a high organic content. The larvae, or maggots, emerge from eggs in one to nine days and burrow into seeds, cotyledons, or rotting crop debris. Well adapted to cool temperatures, larvae continue their activity at temperatures down to 40 F. Larvae feed for one to three weeks before tunnelling into the soil where they pupate for a period of about one to four weeks or for the duration of the winter. Multiple generations occur annually in Virginia.
Delay planting until maggots of first generation are fully grown and preparing for pupation (June 10 in New York state). Avoid overfertilization with manure since seedcorn maggots prefer moist, organically rich soil in which to lay their eggs. Disk or rototill weeds at least 2 weeks before planting. Plow under crop debris immediatley after harvest to prevent use of plant remnants as overwintering sites. Planting transplants or pregerminated seeds may also help avoid damage by seedcorn maggots. Root maggot infestations can be prevented by covering the seedbed with cheesecloth or screening placed immediately after seeds are sown. Covering should extend at least 6 inches on either side of the seed row.
Apply diatomaceous earth to the base of plants.
Seed may be treated with a registered insecticide before planting or granules may be worked into the soil before planting.
Notice: Because pesticide labels can change rapidly, you should read the label directions carefully before buying and using any pesticides. Regardless of the information provided here, you should always follow the latest product label when using any pesticide. If you have any doubt, please contact your local Extension agent or pesticide dealer for the latest information on pesticide label changes.
Disclaimer: Commercial products named on this site are for informational purposes only. Virginia Cooperative Extension does not endorse these products and does not intend discrimination against other products which also may be suitable.
Prepared by Alexandra Spring and Eric Day (Modified from a publication by the USDA)