Corn Root Bugs
Corn is often grown by many home gardeners who wish to have fresh corn to eat, as well as those selling it to commercial markets. Corn is susceptible to a variety of insects that attack the roots of the plant, causing extensive damage and reduced crop yields. Does this Spark an idea?
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Types
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Corn root aphids are common pests of corn plants, as well as many other vegetable crops such as cotton. These insects infest corn underneath the soil line at the roots. Corn root aphids are gray and covered in a light blue-green powdery wax. Plants with infestations of corn root aphids will almost always have ant mounds near the infested plant. Ants help ensure the aphids' survival by moving them from plant-to-plant. Seedcorn maggots are also common pests of corn roots. While these maggots often feed on decaying organic matter, they will feed on the seeds and young seedlings of corn plants. Seedcorn maggots lay their eggs underneath the soil where they hatch into a white or yellow maggot that measures 1/4 inch in length. After feeding on plant stems and roots for about 21 days, the maggots pupate into a dark gray fly.
Effects
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Damage from corn root aphids causes corn plants to develop yellowish-purple coloring, stunted growth and wilting. These aphids suck plant juices from the roots of corn plants with their piecing mouthparts. After feeding on plant juices, corn root aphids produce a sticky clear liquid known as honeydew, which falls onto plant leaves. Ants feed on this sweet substance left behind by aphids. Seedcorn maggots typically attack corn that has delayed emergence, usually due to moist cool weather conditions in the spring. Damage from these maggots can be mild or entire plants may be destroyed.
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Cultural Control
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Keeping your corn plants healthy and stress free is an important part of reducing insect infestations. Keeping corn fields tilled and free from weeds is also important, as corn root aphids overwinter in weedy areas. Shallow planting will speed up germination and reduce seedcorn maggot infestations in corn. Planting corn late and in well-prepared beds also helps reduce infestations of seedcorn maggots.
Chemical Control
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Corn root aphid infestations are seldom so severe as to warrant insecticides. Use diazinon, permethrin and imidacloprid in the treatment of seedcorn maggots. Always apply insecticides strictly according to the directions on the label to avoid adverse reactions in humans and animals in close proximity to its use.
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References
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