Exploring Alternatives to Neonicotinoid Seed Treatments: Case Studies in Vegetable Crops

April 3, 2025 – 2:00 p.m. (eastern)

Register at cornell.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_zVZwbjCKSICe-uJriHTtug#/registration

The webinar will be recorded for anyone unable to attend the live session.

Description

The onion maggot and seedcorn maggot present significant challenges for vegetable growers. While insecticide seed treatments are commonly utilized for maggot control, their effectiveness differs by region, and rising environmental concerns have prompted the search for safer alternatives. This study investigated alternatives to neonicotinoid seed treatments (thiamethoxam and imidacloprid) for controlling seedcorn maggot in onions, snap beans, dry beans, and sweet corn. As restrictions on neonicotinoids increase due to their effects on pollinators and beneficial insects, this research aims to identify effective and environmentally responsible pest control options. These findings will assist growers in making informed pest management decisions in the future.

Leonardo (Leo) Salgado

Entomology PhD Student, Cornell University

Leo is an entomologist whose research focuses on applied insect ecology and integrated pest management (IPM) in vegetable crops. He is currently pursuing a PhD in entomology at Cornell University under Dr. Brian Nault. Before joining Cornell, Leo earned his bachelor’s degree in agricultural sciences from the Universidad Nacional de Agricultura (UNAG) and completed an internship in IPM for sugarcane and rice with Dr. Blake Wilson. This experience motivated him to pursue a master’s degree in entomology with a minor in experimental statistics at Louisiana State University (LSU). Leo’s current research aims to enhance pest management strategies for onion maggots and seedcorn maggots, focusing on their species composition, insecticide efficacy, susceptibility to active ingredients, and genetic structure across onion production regions. His research projects have enabled sugarcane growers in Louisiana and vegetable growers in New York and beyond to successfully implement solutions to their pest problems, maximizing their yields.

---

Illustration by Art Cushman, USDA Systematics Entomology Laboratory, Bugwood.org