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How to Manage Pests
UC Pest Management Guidelines
Cucurbits
Seedcorn Maggot
Scientific Name: Delia platura
(Reviewed 11/05,
updated 6/08)
In this Guideline:
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The seedcorn maggot is the larva of a small, light gray
fly that is about 0.15 inch (4 mm) long. The whitish, legless maggots are
about 0.3 inch (8 mm) long and attack the planted seed of a number of crops
during the winter and early spring months, particularly if there is a cold
period that prevents quick germination of the seed. Maggots may overwinter in
the soil or hatch from eggs laid in spring.
The maggot attacks germinating seeds or transplants, but is only a
pest early in the season before the soil warms up. Little damage is likely to
occur once favorable growing conditions set in. Seedcorn maggots are
particularly damaging when residues of the previous crop have not thoroughly
decayed before planting cucurbits.
A preventive seed treatment, good field sanitation, and management
measures that ensure rapid seed germination are important in controlling seed
corn maggots.
Cultural Control
Fields with moist, heavy-textured soil usually have the worst
problem with this pest. To reduce attractiveness of the field to egg-laying
adults, disc or plow early in the season to incorporate residues from the
previous crop and allow time for residues to completely decompose before
planting. Destroy weed growth. Avoid planting cucurbits after root crops or
cole crops, including cabbage, cauliflower, broccoli, and Brussels sprouts, and
after fall tomatoes. Assure rapid seed germination by planting in moist soil
and not too deep (1.25 to 1.5 inch depth is ideal for melons) when weather
conditions are ideal. The longer the germination, the greater the risk of
infestation. Late season planting may avoid the early season infestation of
this pest.
Organically Acceptable Methods
Cultural controls are acceptable to use in an organically certified
crop.
Monitoring and Treatment Decisions
A preventive seed treatment is the best method of control.
| Common name |
Amount/Acre |
R.E.I.+ |
| (trade name) |
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(hours) |
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| When choosing a pesticide, consider information relating
to water quality and impact on natural
enemies and honey bees. Not all registered pesticides are listed. Always read label of product being used.
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SEED TREATMENT
CAUTION: Do not use treated seed for human consumption, for
livestock or poultry, or for oil purposes. Label treated seed as follows: TREATED SEED. DO NOT USE FOR FOOD, FEED, OR OIL. |
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| A. |
CHLORPYRIFOS |
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(Lorsban) 50W |
2 oz/100 lb seed (slurry) |
24 |
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MODE OF ACTION GROUP NUMBER1: 1B |
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COMMENTS: Labeled for use on cucumbers and pumpkins. Treat
only seed amount for immediate use. Use allowed under a Special Local Needs permit. |
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| PREPLANT FUMIGATION |
| A. |
METAM SODIUM* |
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(Vapam) |
75 gal |
48 |
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COMMENTS: Wait at least 14 days after fumigation before
planting. Fumigants such as metam sodium are a source of volatile organic
compounds (VOCs) but are minimally reactive with other air contaminants that
form ozone. Fumigate only as a last resort when other management strategies have not been successful or are not available. |
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UC IPM Pest Management Guidelines: Cucurbits
UC ANR Publication 3445
Insects and Mites
E. T. Natwick, UC Cooperative Extension, Imperial County
L. D. Godfrey, Entomology, UC Davis
C. G. Summers, Entomology, UC Davis/Kearney Agricultural Center, Parlier
J. J. Stapleton, UC IPM Program, Kearney Agricultultural Center, Parlier
Acknowledgment for contributions to Insects and Mites:
R. L. Coviello, UC Cooperative Extension, Fresno County
C. B. Fouche, UC Cooperative Extension, San Joaquin County
J. B. LeBoeuf, AgriData Sensing, Inc., Fresno
M. Murray, UC Cooperative Extension, Colusa/Glenn counties
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