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milford, CT,

I lost my 2 backup plants to these tiny grub-like insects. I don't understand how they survived to do this since I did my pre-season merit application and also sprayed the young seedlings with Talstar. My 2 plants in the main patch look like they are showing the same signs that the back-up did. I don't think they are cutworms so.....what are they? The 2 plants in the hoophouses are making it but they are showing some signs of wilting...it isn't heat or excessive watering. The temps in the hoops are @ 75-80 and when I dug next to the plants the soil is moist but not wet. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Mark

5/6/2007 2:43:03 PM

San Jose garysand@pacbell.net

photos?

5/6/2007 3:10:49 PM

Ctpumpkin@optonline.net

Mark, I missed a call from you yesterday. Is this why?

These might be Corn Seed Maggots.

http://coopext.colostate.edu/4dmg/Pests/cornmagg.htm

Cool weather & fresh manure can attract these guys.

5/6/2007 8:04:27 PM

milford, CT,

I'll post a picture of them next to the destroyed 1110 Wallace. I tried to get closer but my camera wouldn't focus any better.. I'll post tonight. Mark

5/6/2007 8:58:41 PM

Springfield, VT

You have corn seed maggots. I had them in 2005 took half of my plants out and a quater of my backups. The only advise I have is keep the pump stem exposed to light and water with a contact pesticide to kill them in the soil where your plant was.

5/7/2007 5:05:50 PM

milford, CT,

Well...the patch is empty now..backups won't be ready till next weekend. I think I'm still OK ..last year I didn't transplant untill May 13th so even with this setback I'm ahaead of last year. Tonight I soaked the patch with Insecticide and hopefully no more Corn Seed maggots. I saw them in the manure I put down in the fall but didn't think twice that they would attack the plant. I'll be much more careful with manure in the future!

5/7/2007 8:51:20 PM