Entomopathogenic Nematodes for Field Control of Onion Maggot (Delia antiqua) and Compatibility with Seed Treatments

Onion maggot (Delia antiqua) is a prominent pest of allium crops in temperate zones worldwide. Management this relies on prophylactic insecticide applications at planting that target the first generation. Because effective options are limited, growers interested novel tactics such as deployment entomopathogenic nematodes. We surveyed muck soils where onions typically grown to determine if nematode species were present, and then evaluated compatibility with insecticides commonly used manage D. antiqua. also efficacy these nematodes for reducing antiqua infestations field. No endemic detected surveys fields New York. Compatibility assays indicated that, although spinosad and, some extent, cyromazine did cause mortality nematodes, not affect infectivity Field trials can reduce percentage onion plants killed by from 6% 30%. Entomopathogenic reduced damage increased end season yield over two field seasons. Applications may be viable option populations conventional organic systems. Together other management tactics, like seed treatments, provide boost commercially acceptable level control.