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REDUCED-RISK AND ORGANICALLY ACCEPTABLE SEEDCORN MAGGOT CONTROL ON PACIFIC NORTHWEST VEGETABLE CROPS

Applied Research

Timothy Waters
Area Extension Educator
WSU EXTENSION
PASCO

Abstract

Springtime seedcorn maggot (Delia platura (Meigen)) infestations can reduce germination and stand establishment of winter- and spring-planted Columbia Basin vegetables. Each year, numerous producers are forced to re-plant entire fields due to damage caused by seedcorn maggot. Crops impacted include carrots, onions, beans, peas, and corn. These crops have traditionally been treated post-planting with organophosphate, carbamate, or pyrethroid insecticides, with varying degrees of effectiveness. For the past several years seed treatments of cloronicotinyl insecticides including imidacloprid, thiamethoxam, and clothianidin have provided effective control of maggots, but to date there were no effective treatments available for maggot control for organic vegetable producers. Trials conducted in 2008 show stand establishment of several vegetable crops treated with spinosad was significantly greater (p<0.05) then stand establishment in plots planted with untreated seed. Additionally, spinosad seed treatment was equivalent to conventional seed treatments and post-planting broadcast insecticide treatments for stand establishment. These results are promising for both conventional and organic vegetable producers that suffer stand losses due to seedcorn maggot infestations.

Poster has NOT been presented at any previous NACAA AM/PIC

This poster is being submitted for judging. It will be displayed at the AM/PIC if not selected as a State winner. The abstract will be published in the proceedings.

A poster file has not been provided

Authors: T. D. Waters, D. B. Walsh, S. O' Neal
  1. Waters, T. Area Extension Educator Commercial Vegetables, Washington State University Extension Benton and Franklin Counties, Washington, 99301
  2. Walsh, D. Professor, Washington State University Department of Entomology, Washington, 99350
  3. O' Neal, S. Communication Specialist, Washington State University Department of Entomology, Washington, 99350