Seed-treatment
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Delia platura
seedcorn maggot, bean seed fly
Delia platura is a cosmopolitan polyphagous pest in the family Anthomyiidae, commonly known as the seedcorn maggot or bean seed fly. It attacks germinating seeds and seedlings of over 40 host plants including corn, soybeans, beans, peas, and cruciferous vegetables. Larvae typically feed on decaying organic matter but will invade healthy plant tissue when cool, wet spring conditions delay crop germination, causing significant agricultural losses. The species is also a documented vector of bacterial pathogens, including Erwinia amylovora which causes fire blight in apple and pear trees. Two cryptic genetic lines (H-line and N-line) with distinct distributions and mating behaviors have been identified, with H-line females showing strong mate selectivity.