Seedcorn maggot
(Delia platura)

Overview

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The species Delia platura is commonly known as Seedcorn Maggot. This species's favoured source of food is decaying organic matter; therefore it is important to ensure the removal of all dead plant material. Seedcorn maggots will infest a variety of crops but large seeded ones like corn, soybeans, beans, or peas, sustain the most damage.

Main description

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As medium larvae, D. platura measures 5 mm in length, is white, round and tapered towards the head. Larvae can be found inside damaged seeds or in the soil nearby.  Damage will appear in areas where seedlings have not emerged where the maggots will have hollowed out the seeds. Damage occurs more often with early planted fields and fields with increased organic matter. The adult D. platura matures in to a light grey fly about 5 mm in length.

Scouting

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Control of this pest is mostly preventive. Plant seed or seedlings treated with an insecticide seed treatment is the best alternative available. Do not seed in cool weather or in fields with manure or decaying crop residues on the soil surface. Shallow seeding on poorly drained soil will promote rapid germination. Severely damaged crops should be ploughed under. Reseed immediately because there is little danger of re-infestation due to the life-cycle and habits of this pest.