Maggot Control Research Articles

Seedcorn Maggot Control, 1989

Abstract Planting-time insecticides for seedcorn maggot control were tested at Ames, IA. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Treatments were applied to 40-ft length rows with 30-inch row spacing. The test was conducted in a field that had been planted to alfalfa. During the previous winter and again in the spring, large amounts of cattle manure were applied to the test plot area. The area was spring moldboard plowed, followed by additional applications of manure, and then secondary tillage was done prior to planting. The manure along with the alfalfa provided decaying organic matter to attract ovipositing female flies. Granular insecticide formulations were applied with modified Noble metering units that had been laboratory-calibrated to accurately deliver material at a tractor speed of 4 mph. The applicators were mounted on a 4-row John Deere Max-Emerge 7100 integral planter. Each row was constantly monitored to insure that insecticide was being correctly applied at all times. Drag chains were used for incorporation. Examination of the seeds in the untreated check rows 16 d after planting revealed no damage. At that time, adult emergence traps designed by Funderburk and Pedigo were placed over the rows. The galvanized steel traps, a rectangular bottomless box, had the following dimensions: length 1.0 m, width 0.2 m, and height 0.1 m. Fastened to the top of the trap were two 0.25-liter Mason jars with Tack Trap applied to the inside bottom. Two of these traps were placed over each treatment row. On June 2, the number of seedcorn maggot adults were counted in the collection jars and stand counts were taken. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance procedures.

Malathion Bait Sprays for Control of Apple Maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae)

Malathion (1.2 g [Al]/liter, applied at 2-wk intervals for a total of four spray applications) was compared with malathion mixed with 0.25 and 0.5% Nu lure bait for control of the apple maggot, Rhagoletis Pomona ella (Walsh), in 1986 and 1987 seasons. Apples sprayed with malathion mixed with Nu lure had the lowest fruit injury in both years. In 1986, fruit injury averaged 18.3 ± 16.4% (x ± SEM) in apples treated with malathion bait mixture compared with 39.0 ± 9.5% in apples treated with malathion alone and 56.3 ± 15.5% in untreated apples. In 1987, apple maggot injury in apples treated with malathion bait mixture averaged 3.7 ± 3.2% compared with 45.7 ± 2.7% in apples treated with malathion alone and 26.7 ± 22.2% in untreated apples. Laboratory bios says of residual toxicities of malathion against apple maggot adults at a rate of 1.2 g (AI)/liter indicated efficacy of <1 wk and complete ineffectiveness within 12 d after application on apple foliage and fruits. At the higher rate of 2.4 g (AI)/liter, only 17%mortality was noticed 16 d after application. Further laboratory tests indicated total adult mortality within 48 h and negligible rates of opposition (<1 egg per female) in apples treated with malathion at rates of 0.3 and 0.6 g (AI)/liter mixed with 1% Nu lure bait. In apples treated with malathion alone, 29 ± 7.7% mortality occurred and 10 eggs per female were deposited at the end of 48 h for 0.3 (AI)/liter rate, and 21 ± 7.7% mortality occurred and 16 eggs per female were deposited for 0.6 g (AI)/liter rate. Nu lure alone at 1% had no adverse effects on survival and opposition of apple maggot females. Results of these field and laboratory experiments showed that addition of Nu lure bait to malathion increased adult mortality and reduced opposition in treated apples.

Relationships of Foliar Azinphosmethyl Concentration, Exposure Time, and Mortality for the Apple Maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae)

A laboratory bioassay to study the effects of azinphosmethyl on adult apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), mortality and oviposition was developed by placing apple branches bearing field-weathered residues inside a wind tunnel. Repellency by azinphosmethyl that was observed in a previous study did not occur. Thirty-six percent of the females died after 24 h of exposure to 29- to 30-d-old residues, and the oviposition punctures per female were 66% lower than that in the untreated controls. This reduction in oviposition was greater than would have been expected from mortality alone and is probably caused by sublethal poisoning. These results imply that sufficient protection may be provided by older residues (>14 d) when apple maggot populations are low. Mortality was described by two mathematical models, which were corrected for the time that the flies spent on the nontoxic walls. The relationships developed in this study should contribute to the development of a “treat-when-needed” strategy for apple maggot control.

Pungent spices, ground red pepper, and synthetic capsaicin as onion fly ovipositional deterrents

In laboratory choice experiments, the spices dill, paprika, black pepper, chili powder, ginger, and red pepper deterredDelia antiqua oviposition by 88-100%. Dose-response choice tests demonstrated that 1 mg of ground cayenne pepper (GCP) placed within 1 cm of artificial onion foliage reduced oviposition by 78%. A synthetic analog of capsaicin, the principal flavor ingredient of red peppers, deterred oviposition by 95% when present at 320 ppm in the top centimeter of sand (the ovipositional substrate). However, in no-choice conditions 10 mg GCP was not an effective deterrent. Sevana Bird Repellent and Agrigard Insect Repellent both use red pepper as a principal ingredient; at recommended field rates, neither of these materials was an effective ovipositional deterrent either in laboratory or field. Capsaicin-based materials do not appear to be candidates for onion maggot control via behavioral modification.

Seedcorn Maggot Control, 1988

Abstract Planting-time insecticides for seedcorn maggot control were tested at Ames, Iowa. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replicates. Treatments were applied to 40-ft-long rows on 30-inch spacing. The test was conducted in a field that had been planted to alfalfa. Approximately 1 wk prior to planting, manure was spread on the alfalfa and then plowed under to provide decaying organic matter that attracted ovipositing adult females. Granular insecticide formulations were applied with modified Noble metering units that had been calibrated to deliver material at 4 mph. The applicators were mounted on a 4-row John Deere Max-Emerge 7100 integral planter. Each row was monitored constantly to ensure that insecticide was being correctly applied at all times. Drag chains were used for incorporation. Examination of the seeds in the untreated check rows 10 d after planting revealed no damage, although pupae were found in the soil. At that time, adult emergence traps designed by Funderburk and Pedigo were placed over the rows. The galvanized steel trap, a rectangular bottomless box, has the following dimensions: length, 1,0 m; width, 0.2 m; height, 0.1 m. Fastened to the top of each trap were two 0.25-liter Mason jars with Tack Trap applied to the inside bottom. Two traps were placed over each treatment row. On Jun 3, the number of adults in the collection jars was counted and stand counts were taken. Data were subjected to ANOVA. No phytotoxicity was noted with any treatment. Dyfonate and Fortress were the only insecticides to significantly reduce adult emergence.

Enhanced soil microbial degradation of capbofuran and fensulfothion - a factor contributing to the decline in effectiveness of some soil insect control programs in Canada

Abstract Compilation of field efficacy data accumulated over a number of years indicated that cabbage maggot (CM), Delia radicum (L.) control by carbofuran and fensulfothion in Newfoundland has declined with time. A similar trend was apparent in Ontario with carbofuran used to control carrot rust fly (CRF), Psila rosae (F.) and carrot weevil (CW), Listronotus oregonensis (LeConte). Laboratory tests conducted between 1982 and 1985 with 2 Newfoundland CM strains and an Ontario CRF strain indicated that declining efficacy could not be attributed to development of insect resistance to recommended insecticides. Other tests indicated that the 2 Newfoundland soils developed the capacity for rapid degradation of carbofuran or fensulfothion in a single growing season. In an organic soil used for carrot production in Ontario, anti‐carbofuran activity was apparent within 1 wk after application of granular carbofuran in the seed furrow and was high after 3 wk. The data suggest that development in soil of microbial populations capable of enhanced degradation of carbofuran or fensulfothion is contributing to the erratic performance of these insecticides in CM, CRF, CW and other root maggot control programs in Canada.

Cherry, Insecticide Evaluation, 1987

Abstract Insecticides were applied to 35-yr-old 'Montmorency' trees in single unreplicated blocks of approximately one-half acre, each with about 40 trees. Applications were made with a 32 TMG Myer sprayer, which traveled at 4.03 km/h and delivered 100 Jal/acre. Dates of application were 13 May (petal fall) for plum curculio control and 1 and 14 Jul for maggot control. The first maggot application was timed jne week after the first adult catch on yellow sticky boards baited with ammonia acetate. The fungicide program consisted of Tilt at 240 ml/acre at petal fall ind Benelate 50WP at 680 g/acre included with the two maggot control applications in July. Evaluations of the treatments consisted of picking 8 pints of cherries from centrally located trees in each treatment block. The fruit was then blended in an electric blender at low speed. The resulting slurry was sieved to remove the pulp, and the remaining material was examined for maggot larvae.

Control of Onion Maggot, 1986

Abstract The objective of this study was to compare granular and wettable powder formulations of an insect growth regulator (Trigard) and to compare application methods for control of the onion maggot. Onions ('Downing Yellow Globe') were planted 28 Apr in a commercial onion field at the Krummery Farm, Stockbridge, Mich. Plots were single rows, 20 ft long, with an untreated buffer row between each plot. Treatments were arranged in a randomized complete block design with 4 replications per treatment. Granular in furrow treatments were applied with the seed with a V-belt seeder with a 1-inch planting shoe. Band treatments were applied to the soil surface in a 3-inch band and shallowly incorporated prior to seeding. Diazinon drench treatments were applied with a hand sprayer at 50 gal/acre in a 3- to 4-inch band over the row, beginning as soon as first egg laying was observed, and repeated weekly (23 and 30 May and 6, 13, and 20 Jun). Trigard drench treatments were applied biweekly (23 May and 6 and 20 Jun). Weekly foliar insecticide sprays of parathion or diazinon were applied to the entire field by helicopter, but had no apparent effect on the onion maggot. A 100-plant section of row in each plot was marked with stakes prior to the first injury and sampled weekly from 30 May through 27 Jun and on 10 Jul for observable onion maggot injury and stand remaining. Yield of marketable onions, number of onions, and number of bulbs damaged by onion maggot were evaluated from 10 row-ft in the center of each plot on 21 Aug.

Field Corn, Seedcorn Maggot Control, 1987

Abstract Planting-time insecticides for seedcorn maggot control were tested at Ames, Iowa. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Treatments were applied to 40-ft rows with 30-inch row spacing. The test was conducted in a field that had been planted to alfalfa for several years. Approximately 1 week prior to planting, the alfalfa was disked and rototilled under to provide decaying organic matter that would attract ovipositing female flies. Granular insecticide formulations were applied with modified Noble metering units that had been laboratory-calibrated to accurately deliver material at a tractor speed of 4 mph. The applicators were mounted on a 4-row John Deere Max-Emerge 7100 integral planter. Each row was constantly monitored to ensure that insecticide was being correctly applied at all times. Drag chains were used for incorporation. Seed treatments were machine planted. Each seed treatment was assigned to an extra seed hopper. Examination of the seeds in the untreated check rows 2 weeks after planting revealed no damage, however pupae were found in the soil. At that time, adult emergence traps designed by Funderburk and Pedigo were placed over the rows. The galvanized steel traps, a rectangular bottomless box, had the following dimensions: length 1.0 m, width 0.2m, and height 0.1 m. Fastened to the top of the trap were two 0.25-liter Mason jars with Tack Trap applied to the inside bottom. Two of these traps were placed over each treatment row. On 12 Jun, the number of seedcorn maggot adults were counted in the collection jars and stand counts wm taken. Data were analyzed using analysis of variance procedures.

Control of Onion Maggot, 1987

Abstract Two separate trials for onion maggot control were carried out in 1987 at 2 locations. The first trial was designed to evaluate tolerance of a local onion maggot population to Lorsban and was carried out near Grant, Mich. The second trial was carried out near Orangeville, Mich., with the objective of testing new compounds and application strategies against labeled standards.

Apple, Insecticide Evaluation, 1987

Abstract Insecticides were applied to 35-yr-old 'Jonathon' standard trees in unreplicated blocks of approximately 3/4 acre, with about 30 trees in each. Applications were made with a Bean C-336 CP sprayer, which traveled at 4.03 km/h and delivered 250 gal/acre. Dates of application were 1 Jul (4th cover), 13 Jul (5th cover), 24 Jul (6th cover), 6 Aug (7th cover), 19 Aug (8th cover), 1 Sep (9th cover), and 11 Sep (10th cover) for all materials except TD 2207 which, due to lack of material, was applied only up to 8 Aug on the spray program above and was evaluated on 24 Aug. All other treatments were evaluated on 16 Sep. The fungicide program consisted of Difolitan 80DF (3 lb/acre) on 16 Apr (green tip). Vanguard on 19 May (petal fall), and Cyprex 65W in all 7 maggot control applications as listed above. Treatments were evaluated by randomly picking 100 fruit from each of 4 centrally located trees in each block for a total of 400 apples per treatment. The apples were examined for AM injury. Ovipositional marks per apple were averaged for each treatment. Percent damaged fruit is also reported.

Timing Treatments for Apple Maggot (Diptera: Tephritidae) Control Using Sticky Sphere Traps Baited with Synthetic Apple Volatiles

Weak relationships between larval damage and adult catch were observed for apple maggot, Rhagoletis pomonella (Walsh), in untreated dwarf, semidwarf, and standard apple trees, using red sticky sphere traps baited with synthetic apple volatiles. Traps were sensitive in detecting adults. Fruit among the canopy quadrants were uniformly infested, which indicated that the baited traps were not causing an aggregation of the damage within the canopy. Studies using the baited traps for timing apple maggot control treatments in commercial orchards demonstrated that commercially acceptable levels of control could be obtained using a catch threshold of two adults per trap. Adult catches were not accumulated for the threshold until 12 d after a treatment. With this threshold, 46% fewer treatments (1.9 fewer applications) were applied than in a calendar-based program. Results indicated that a threshold as high as five adults per trap might be used.

Seedcorn Maggot Control in Wheat, 1986

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.

Control of Seed-corn Maggot by Mixing Dichlofenthion with Organic Fertilizer

Control of Seed-corn Maggot by Mixing Dichlofenthion with Organic Fertilizer

Sugarbeet Root Maggot Control, 1986

Abstract An experiment for sugarbeet root maggot control was conducted in a sprinkler irrigated field near Paul, Idaho. The grower field was planted 7 Apr. Five treatments and an untreated check were replicated 6 times in a randomized complete block design. Individual plots were 6 rows (22 inch spacing) by 30 ft. After plant emergence, plants were hoed to make alleys between plots so that each plot was then 25 ft long. Planting applications of Temik consisted of a modified in furrow (MIF) technique where the material was applied to the soil surface in a one-inch band just ahead of the planter disc openers. The Temik was then incorporated back over the seed furrow with the planter press wheel. The second Temik planting application (P) was applied by hand in a five-inch band over the seedbed and incorporated lightly with a small garden rake. Lorsban, Counter, and Temik were applied postemergence (PE) on 3 Jun with Ro-Banders® in a five-inch band over the row and lightly incorporated with a drag chain. Root maggot damage (ten beet roots from each plot were rated for maggot feeding damage on 25 Jul) is reported in the table as the sum of the ratings for 10 beets per plot. The rating scale was: 0 = no scars; 1 = 1-4 small scars of pinhead size; 2 = 5-10 small scars to 3 large scars; 3 = more than 3 large scars; 4 = 25 to 75% root area blackened by scars; 5 = more than 75% of root area damaged. Yield data were taken 7 Oct by hand harvesting 50 ft of row selected from the middle four plot rows. Due to variable plant stands, yield data were only taken from 4 of the 6 replications. Sugarbeet yield weights in the table are untared.

Onion Maggot Control with Systemic Insecticides, 1986

Abstract Onions were seeded on 16 Apr with a tractor-mounted cone-type planter. Plots were 4 rows, 35 ft long using 120 seeds/row on 21 inch beds replicated 4 times in a randomized complete block design. All chemicals were applied at planting with the onion seed. Stand counts were made 10 Jun and 1 Aug. Observations were made weekly to monitor for the presence of onion maggot damage. The center 2 rows of each plot were lifted, topped, and graded on 10, 15, and 20 Oct, respectively.

Field Corn, Seedcorn Maggot Control, 1985

Abstract Planting-time insecticides for seedcorn maggot control were tested at Ames, IA. The experimental design was a randomized complete block with 4 replications. Seed furrows 30 ft long with 40 inch spacing were opened on 25 Apr. A bait slurry consisting of meat-and-bone meal, fish emulsion and water was added to the furrows at the rate of 2.5 qt/30 ft. The moist bait attracted ovipositioning female flies. On 30 Apr corn (nontreated or insecticide treated seed) was hand planted in the furrows and granular insecticides were applied with Noble® metering units mounted on a bicycle applicator. Granules were applied as in-furrow, 7 inch band over a partially closed furrow (T-band) or 7 inch band. Banded treatments were incorporated with a rake dragged lightly over the soil surface. On 28 May the seeds were carefully extracted from three 1-m sections of row, inspected for damage, and rated on the following 1 to 4 damage scale: (1) seed undamaged; (2) seed damaged, but plant established; (3) seed damaged and plant showing some signs of stress; (4) seed damaged, no plant or questionable establishment. Percentage damaged seeds was also computed. Analysis of variance was used to analyze the data.

Influence of weather conditions and microorganisms on persistence of insecticides to control root maggots (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in rutabagas

Insecticides were applied as single sub-surface pre-planting treatments in field experiments at two locations in Prince Edward Island, one with a soil pH of 6.4 and the other with a soil pH of 5.7. Fensulfothion and carbofuran gave > 90% control of root maggots in rutabagas during wet and dry growing seasons for a period of at least 12 years before 1976 at both locations. Both compounds have continued to give excellent results in the more acidic soil, but after 1976 fensulfothion has given good control in the field with a soil pH of 6.4 only during dry growing seasons, and the effectiveness of carbofuran decreased after 1977. These insecticides have been subject to accelerated microbial degradation during the past 7 or 8 years in the near-neutral acid mineral soil, but not in the field with the more acidic soil. Chlorfenvinphos and terbufos have given excellent root maggot control at both locations for more than a decade, regardless of weather conditions. Isofenphos gave almost complete control during abnormally wet growing seasons but was ineffective during dry seasons. Fonofos has given erratic results but was most effective during wet seasons. As yet there has been no evidence of accelerated microbial breakdown of any of these compounds. Propoxur was ineffective during wet seasons but gave excellent root maggot control during dry growing seasons. In the field with a soil pH of 6.4, propoxur and aldicarb have been subject to accelerated microbial degradation in recent years. Residual effectiveness of some soil insecticides can be greatly influenced by seasonal rainfall, microorganisms and indirectly by soil pH.

Appraisal of Current Strategies for Controlling Onion Maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in New York State

Chlorpyrifos applied in the furrow at planting in mid-May to control onion maggot, Delia antiqua (Meigen), infestations gave adequate control for 8 weeks (mid-July). In laboratory and field tests, undamaged onion plants grown with or without insecticide treatment became resistant to maggot invasion after 12 weeks of plant growth (about mid-August in all but one field). Maggots died primarily through failing to establish on the bulbs rather than through desiccation. Late-season (third generation) damage was most prevalent in rows where plants had been damaged during weekly applications of parathion sprays. Improvements to the current strategy of onion maggot control may be effected by development of a more persistent soil treatment, selection of onion cultivars with midseason resistance to invasion, and effective adulticide treatments for midseason application.

Effect of Insecticides and Herbicides on Sugarbeet Establishment, Yield and Control of the Sugarbeet Root Maggot

The sugarbeet root maggot, Tet a nops myopaeformi s (Roder), can be a serious problem in sugarbeet production areas of We s tern Canada (2,5) and the United States (9,1 0 ,13). Infestations of the sugarbeet root maggot are sporadic and, during years of severe infestations, can re­ duce sugarbeet yield by over 50%. The biology of the sugarbeet root maggot has been re­ viewed by Hawley (7), Knowlton (8), Harper (6), and Whit­ field (11). Whitfield et al. (12) published a bibliogra­ phy that included papers on the control of the sugarbeet root maggot. Use of chemical insecticides is the only sat i sfactory method of reducing damaging populations. Harper (6) repor t ed that the sugarbeet root maggot adult lays its eggs close to the root of the young plant, and thus a practical, effective, and economical method of con­ trolling this pest has consisted of applying granular in­ secticides into the seed furrow at planting time to kill the newly emerged larvae (2,5). It is known that some in­ secticides applied close to the seed may be phytotoxic (1,2,5). In this paper, we report on a series of field experiments conducted between 1970 and 1982 to evaluate the insecticidal and phytotoxic properties of several granular insecticides applied in-furrow, and the interac­ tion of several of these with commonly used soil-applied herbicides.