Pest Profile

Seedcorn Maggot
Delia platura
  • Seed corn maggot
  • Seed corn beetle

Pest Description

These are soil-infesting insects that attack seeds shortly after planting. Damage is heaviest in cool, wet springs that delay germination and plant emergence. Recent problems in Kansas seem associated with heavy applications of liquid or solid livestock manure just before planting and where soybeans are planted in no-till situations.

Source of information

J.P. Michaud: http://entomology.k-state.edu/extension/insect-information/crop-pests/soybeans/scb.html

Pest photo source

Marlin E. Rice, JP Michaud (KSU Entomology)