Seedcorn maggot larvae feed on germinating seeds or seedlings of corn and soybean (Photo 1). Feeding can delay development or kill the plant, and plant injury is especially prevalent during cool, wet springs when plants grow slowly. Even with variable weather so far this spring, seedcorn maggot development is on track with previous years. Forecasted temperatures suggest that seedcorn maggot will likely develop quickly in the next few weeks. Farmers thinking about planting should track growing degree days to reduce the risk of injury in high-risk fields, which include those with a history of seedcorn maggot injury, recently tilled fields, and fields where organic matter was recently incorporated (e.g., manure or cover crops).
Seedcorn maggot has a lower developmental threshold of 39°F and an upper threshold of 84°F. Peak adult emergence for the first generation occurs at 360 accumulated degree days (GDD) since January 1. Based on current GDD, the first generation of adult seedcorn maggot has likely emerged throughout much of southern Iowa (Figure 1).
It is recommended to avoid planting during peak adult emergence, because first-generation larvae typically emerge within a few days (414 GDD) and feed for several weeks (781 GDD). Remember that cool soil temperatures likely increase the risk of seedcorn maggot injury because seeds take longer to develop; warmer soil temperatures may be conducive to quick growth of seedlings and less injury. If possible, target planting during the “fly-free” period (781-1,051 GDD) in areas at higher risk for seedcorn maggot.
You can track GDD for seedcorn maggot by visiting the Pest Maps and Forecasting page and comparing key GDD to the map. Additionally, if you choose your nearest weather station on the right side of the page, you can see forecasted GDD for the next two weeks.
While no rescue treatments are available, cultural and chemical methods prior to or at planting can minimize risks. Read more about seedcorn maggot biology, risk factors, and management in this encyclopedia article. To confirm seedcorn maggot injury, check areas with stand loss and look for maggots, pupae, and damaged seeds (hollowed out seeds or poorly developing seedlings), and keep an eye out for other seedling pests, such as wireworms or grubs.
Links to this article are strongly encouraged, and this article may be republished without further permission if published as written and if credit is given to the author, Integrated Crop Management News, and Iowa State University Extension and Outreach. If this article is to be used in any other manner, permission from the author is required. This article was originally published on April 10, 2023. The information contained within may not be the most current and accurate depending on when it is accessed.
Ashley Dean Education Extension Specialist I
Ashley is an education extension specialist for field crop entomology at Iowa State University. She coordinates the Iowa Moth Trapping Network, develops educational resources for field crop pests in Iowa, and aids in the research efforts of the
Erin Hodgson Professor
Dr. Erin Hodgson started working in the Department of Entomology, now the Department of Plant Pathology, Entomology, and Microbiology, at Iowa State University in 2009. She is a professor with extension and research responsibilities in corn and soybeans. She has a general background in integrated...