David Owens, Extension Entomologist, owensd@udel.edu
Peas
We have reached peak seedcorn maggot degree days for predicting fly emergence from the soil. Any fields with recently incorporated organic matter are going to be at elevated risk for seedcorn maggot damage for the next three weeks. I incorporated manure in a field at Carvel for seedcorn maggot trials, and the field is practically buzzing with flies on warm days. Insecticide seed treatments are highly recommended in plantings with higher risk during the next 3 weeks. Please be aware that while seed treatments help greatly, extremely high populations of maggots can overwhelm seed treatments. The next generation typically starts flying in early May.