Seedcorn Maggot Control in Wheat, 1986

Abstract

Abstract The efficacy of 2 granular systemic insecticides for control of the seedcorn maggot and other soil insects was evaluated in ‘Bounty 301', a hard winter wheat cultivar, and ‘Coker 983', a soft winter wheat cultivar. The test was located near Rhea Mills, Collin County, TX on a Houston black clay soil. Insecticides were applied in-furrow at planting on 7 Dec, 1985. Thimet 15G and DiSyston 15G were both applied at the rate of 1.0 lb (AI)/acre. Sampling of the top soil at the time of wheat emergence indicated the seedcorn maggot to be the most prevalent insect pest species present, although some losses may have been caused by wireworms (Conoderus spp.) and white grubs (Phyllophaga spp.). The seedcorn maggot infestation was heavy and distributed throughout the field. A completely randomized design of 8 replications was used and plots were 4 ft × 20 ft. The mean number of seedlings per foot of row was determined on 25 Feb, ‘86 by counting seedlings/ft in four subsamples per plot. Plots were harvested 27 Jun.