Identification & Incidence: Corn emergence failure due to feeding by small, yellowish white, legless fly larvae (maggots) on geminating seeds. Damage is likely to occur in fields having high organic matter (especially fields that have had green material, such as cover crops or weeds incorporated into the soil) and when cool and damp soil conditions delay emergence.
Sampling: Maggots may be detected by in-specting seed rows exhibiting lack of emergence. Assessment is based on examination of 3 feet of row at 3 or more locations.
Economic Threshold: No economic threshold exists for this insect
Management Options: Seed maggot injury may be prevented by use of seed treatment or soil insecticide (see chart). Avoid planting during periods of cool and wet growing conditions.