Corn aphid is a common pest on maize, primarily active on the abaxial leaf surfaces and tender shoots. When population densities are high, leaves are damaged by feeding and plant vigor is reduced. Timely intervention and accurate targeting of the affected plant parts are key to effective control of corn aphid—imidacloprid 70% WS (water-dispersible powder for slurry seed treatment) is registered for use against corn aphid on maize.
Aphids exhibit the least resistance and are easiest to control during the early instar larval stages. Once populations surge and leaves begin to curl, subsequent insecticide applications become both costly and difficult to manage. Before spraying, carefully determine whether the pests are located on the adaxial or abaxial leaf surface, and whether they are concentrated in the whorl or the ear, ensuring thorough coverage of the critical target sites.
Imidacloprid 70% WS (water-dispersible powder for slurry seed treatment), Registration No. PD20040171 (subject to the actual label). Used for corn aphids, at a product-to-seed ratio of 1:143–167, mixed with water for seed treatment. Apply at the early instar stage, and repeat application at 7–10 day intervals depending on pest pressure, while observing the pre-harvest interval.
Ensure thorough spray coverage of all primary infestation sites, including the undersides of leaves and tender shoots. For imidacloprid wet seed dressing, rotate with products of different modes of action to manage resistance; adhere to the pre-harvest interval and avoid application during bee foraging periods. Always follow the label instructions.
