Early Season AG Killers

I have mentioned these in past years but I thought it was worth posting again.

The following two pests are common in New England, I'm not sure if they are
in other parts of the country.

Corn Seed Maggot:
Poor seed germination has been blamed for work done by these pests.  They eat
many types of seed, burrowing inside and eating it's contents.  They enter
through they tap root end of they seed so when a failed seed is dug up it's
hard to detect.  This may be a problem when direct seeding or when you pot
using garden soil. Prevent by putting a little Diazinon in the hole with the
seed.

Strawberry Root Aphid:
First signs would be ant activity around young seedlings.  Advanced symptoms
would be wilting of the young seedling.  Ants carry the Aphid down to the
seedling roots and farm them for the sugar mixture they excrete after sucking
liquid from the pumpkin seedlings.  Treat with Diazinon powder at first sign
of ant activity.  If advanced infection is suspected treat with a liquid
Diazinon to penetrate to the roots.  As you thin your AG's inspect for Blue
Green Aphids on the root system.


George Brooks
North Tewksbury, MA USA
Approximately 25 miles Northwest of Boston
in the Merrimack River Valley
Zone 5N
Personal Bests
617.6 1991
641 1993
648 2000 (Unofficial & died prematurely on Aug 29)
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