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Seed
Corn Maggot - The seed corn maggot is a small white maggot that feeds on
corn seed. It can cause stand reduction or loss. The adult flies appear early in
the spring and lay eggs on moist soil high in organic matter. The eggs hatch in
a few days and the small, white, tapered maggots to feed and burrow into the
seed. The feeding may cause the seed to fail to germinate or if germination
occurs, the seedlings are weak and may die. Any condition that delays seed
germination may increase damage from seed corn maggot since damage is greatest
during cool, wet springs. To detect damage, dig in areas where plants have
failed to emerge. Once serious damage has occurred, the only alternative is to
replant the crop. Systemic in-furrow insecticides will aid in control of seed
corn maggots.
Southern
Corn Rootworm
- The Southern corn rootworm damages corn by feeding on the root system.
The adult Southern corn rootworm female lays eggs around the base of
seedling plants in early spring and the larvae move down to feed on the
root system. Larvae feeding causes roots to be stubby and tunneling is
obvious where larvae have fed. Severe injury may cause plants to lodge
and a goose-necked appearance results as plants try to grow erect.
Wireworms
- Wireworms damage corn by feeding on germinating seeds and the root system.
Wireworm larvae are yellowish brown to brown in color and wire-like in
appearance. The larvae mature in 2 to 5 years. Infestations of wireworms tend to
be more severe in crop areas following sod. Infestations may be controlled by
applying insecticides at planting.
White
Grubs - White grubs damage corn by feeding on the root system. The pruned
roots cause plants to be stunted and stand reduction may result where heavy
infestations occur. Lodging and yield reductions may occur as a result of
damaging infestations. White grubs occur more frequently in corn following sod
or pastures.