Category Archives: seedcorn maggot

Maggots: gross impact of a gross group

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After this morning’s invited speaker talk (OPVC Annual Grower Meeting), I thought it might be helpful to assemble some existing resources we have about Delia spp. in the PNW. Browsing these links could help you better prepare for the planting season. Also feel free to leave a comment with any specific concerns or impact you’ve experienced. Thanks to Dr. Nault for a great presentation this morning!

  • ** VegNet alert – late June 2020 – Seedcorn maggot issues reported/confirmed in snap bean and parsnip
  • ** Pest profile page – Seedcorn maggot species complex, literature
  • ** Pest profile page – Cabbage maggot overview, ID, management
  • Temporal trends – late July 2018 – Temporal trends and species complex info
  • Scouting report – mid Oct 2020 – Maggot complex found in stored onion
  • Research report (pdf) – 2016 maggot trial in direct-seeded radish, chlorpyrifos alternatives
  • VegNet alert – May 2018 – Poor emergence, general info seedcorn maggot
  • U. of Mass. factsheet – Seedcorn maggot
  • Dr. Brian Nault, lab site – Cornell Entomology (pdf) – Delayed planting to help manage onion maggot
Root maggots are creamy white to yellow, opaque, and legless. They are tapered; blunt posterior end. Determining species is difficult and requires examination with a microscope.

Root Maggots of the PNW – Overview

Delia species (Diptera: Anthomyiidae). Small (5-8mm) flies – black, brown or grey – the immature phase are called maggots – they feed on root and sometimes stem tissue – identification technical and difficult* – often referred to as a rootfly ‘complex’. Adults do not cause damage. Eggs are laid at the base of plants. Maggots tunnel into tissue which causes direct damage and also increases the risk of infection by plant pathogens..
D. radicum: Cabbage maggot
Our most familiar regional issue. Adults prefer cool weather and maturing (4-7 leaf) brassica plants to lay eggs. Flight period well-documented and can be useful for predicting timing of egg-laying pressure.
HOSTS: weedy mustards, broccoli, cauliflower, etc. 		.
D. platura: Seedcorn maggot
Attracted to organic matter and decay. Sometimes worse in fields that have been cover cropped to increase N. Often a secondary pest (invades after initial decay of tissue due to other factors). Active earlier than other species.
HOSTS: many, but especially large seeded vegetables like corn, peas, dry beans, snap beans		.
D. florilega: Bean seed maggot
Nearly indistinguishable from D. platura, often occur together.
HOSTS: association is broad, but mostly a problem in turnips, radish, canola		.
D. planipalpis: Western radish maggot
Similar in appearance to D. radicum, but different leg hair arrangement.
HOSTS: radish and canola (verified in literature); also probably other crucifers
D. antigua: Onion maggot
A major problem in onion production. Many good resources available.
HOSTS: onions, garlic, chives, etc.		.
D. floralis: Turnip maggot
Similar in appearance to other species; different leg hair arrangement.
HOSTS: turnip and radish
* Link to ID guide (Savage et al. 2016) but beware, it involves counting and measuring hairs on adult fly thoraces and legs – good times!

Seed Maggot Problems

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Growers and field reps throughout the region have been noticing issues with seed maggots. Similar to root maggots, these are the immature form of a certain type of fly (Diptera: Anthomyiidae: Delia spp.).

There are three species, in particular, that can be devastating in vegetable crops. The first, cabbage maggot (D. radicum) is well-known and tends to infest brassicas only. Use this link for more info on cabbage maggot.

“Seedcorn maggot” is the common name for what is actually a complex of two species – D. platura and D. florilega. “Bean seed fly” is another commonly used name for adults. These two species are remarkably similar, both as larvae and adults. For adult flies, color is variable and one must examine leg hair length and placement. Maggots are indistinguishable, even by experts.

Complaints so far have come from parsnip and snap bean fields, but dry beans, corn, peas, and squash growers should take note. If emergence is low, scout 2-ft row sections. Look for damage to seeds and white, tapered maggots. Maggots are legless and have a blunt posterior.

Learn More About Seedcorn Maggot:

  • PNW Handbook Sections
  • Related blog post (Jan 25, 2021) – aka all about maggots on one page with link to a video by Dr. Nault, a SCM expert
  • Related blog post (May 18th, 2018)
  • PHOTOS ABOVE ADAPTED FROM: Savage, J., Fortier, A-M., Fournier, F., Bellavance, V. 2016. Identification of Delia pest species (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) in cultivated crucifers and other vegetable crops in Canada. Canadian Journal of Arthropod Identification No. 29: June 29, 2016. doi:10.3752/cjai.2016.29
  • Brooks, A. R. 1951. Identification of the Root Maggots (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) Attacking Cruciferous Garden Crops in Canada, with Notes on Biology and Control. Can. Entomol. 83(5): 109-120.
  • Higley, L. G. and L. P. Pedigo. 1984. Seedcorn Maggot (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) Population Biology and Aestivation in Central Iowa. Environmental Entomology. 13(5):1436-1442.