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Dillsburg, PA

I was wondering why my tiny plants were not doing well. I picked one of them out of the patch and found 10 maggots eating the root system. Would a mild seven drench work or is there something better I can use?

5/7/2007 5:49:21 PM

Dillsburg, PA

I forgot to add that I planted some germinated seeds yesterday. My plants are dead so I am hoping I can save the new seeds I planted. My patch is in what used to be a corn field many years ago.

5/7/2007 6:05:55 PM

2 posts down Jeff,,,and use the search box this one gets a lotta hits this time of year...

5/7/2007 6:56:53 PM

Eugene, OR

I got hit by them hard in 2005 and lost some nice seeds. I know for a fact that the eggs were in the seed starting mix I used because some of the seedlings emerged with damage to the seed leaves and the rest of them died shortly after being put in the ground despite *looking* perfectly normal.

My understanding is that they usually attack plants AS they germinate but will sometimes go for very young and tender plants. But, I've read that they rarely do much damage to a plant that's already established and growing.

What did you use for potting soil? Regardless of the source of the potting soil, I now sterilize every last bit of seed starting mix I get by baking it in the oven. This is the only way to know for sure it's free of insect eggs, plant diseases, etc.

Hope that helps,
Brian

5/7/2007 8:09:00 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Seed Corn Maggots mostly come from manure. The eggs were lain last year & just hatched. A local grower here just got hit & lost every plant which is more common due to our recent cool weather slowing the plants down. He used some older Diazinon (now banned for residential use) which is labeled for this use.

He had applied Merit to the patch. But it didn't work.

I suspect that the Merit failed to translocate due to the cold weather. Had the plants been treated in-nursery before planting out, they might have had a lethal dose on board but some damage would still have been done.

5/7/2007 10:36:12 PM

Eugene, OR

I agree there are many possible sources of them but please don't disregard the seed starting mix itself. It's very high in OM and can be a carrier as well. The eggs can be anywhere. I assure you they were in my starter mix in 2005. I have the potted seedling pictures to prove it and it's not pretty.

A good article I had bookmarked on the subject. Includes the fact that they often target seedlings as they germinate. http://www.vegedge.umn.edu/vegpest/seedmag.htm

5/7/2007 11:17:49 PM

Cameron,ontario Team Lunatic

I usually nuke my starting mix in the microwave oven before I use it. It's pretty hot when you take it out, but at least it's sterile. Let it cool a bit before you start your seeds in it though. I hope this helps.

Phil

5/8/2007 6:37:02 AM

Dillsburg, PA

Its not in the starting mix but in my patch. Would a soak of seven be okay to kill these things?

5/8/2007 7:09:25 AM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Diazinon is the LEAST potent recommended material so I doubt that Sevin would do it. Diazinon is fast disappearing from retail shelves due to Federal mandates.

5/8/2007 9:12:01 AM

Eugene, OR

Not doubting you Jeff. Just trying to get the point across that things can and do come from seed starting mix if not properly sterilized. Sadly, I been there. With the help of a very generous grower, I was back in the game that year but I guarantee I won't be making that mistake again.

We can just choose to assume the mix is clean and go with it or make damn sure it is before using it. As much time and effort as we put into these things, it only makes sense to try and cover all the bases.

You know what they say about assumptions.....they are the mother of all %$@^ ups. :-)

Hope you can turn things around,
Brian

5/8/2007 10:57:49 AM

Eastern Pennsylvania

Will a Merit drench work for him? If so I can be there Friday with it for you Jeff.

5/8/2007 1:30:15 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Merit is a good idea (regardless) but is not as effective as some other isecticides against SC Maggots.

Here's an idea: Use Merit on the seed while it is germinating in a clean sterile media. Artificial heat will promote growth so the seedling will actually translocate the Merit. That's good.

But Merit won't do a great job of killing the grubs that are already in the patch (if that is where they came from)

5/8/2007 3:14:43 PM

Dillsburg, PA

I tested seven on a sick plant. I drenched the area around the plant. Dug up the plant and three maggots that were near the roots were dead. My new plants will be planted with some seven powder and a light seven drench. I would assume that these maggots will leave the patch as they turn into whatever they turn into? Maybe I planted too soon as it has been on the colder side.

5/8/2007 5:46:16 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Yes Jeff, as the weather warms & other crops grow, the CS Maggots will leave us alone.

5/8/2007 10:18:39 PM

Dillsburg, PA

Thanks guys for the help.

5/9/2007 5:45:31 AM