by BERNARD TOBIN
The pests feeding on Jim’s corn crop were millipedes. “In this case it’s important to remember that millipedes are classified as pests, not insects,” explains Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs entomologist Tracey Baute.
“There was a history of wireworm in that field and the grower was correct to treat the field with Poncho,” recalls Baute. “Seed treatments like Poncho and Cruiser are very effective in protecting the seed against insects but the millipede is not an insect and is not affected by the seed treatment.” She notes it’s extremely rare to see millipedes in the soil early in the season attacking corn seed.