Which below-ground insects are effectively controlled with seed treatments?

The most effective control of below-ground insects through seed treatments typically includes corn maggots, wireworms, and white grubs. Seed treatments are designed to provide protection during the early growth stages of plants, when they are most vulnerable to soil-dwelling pests.

Corn maggots, for example, can damage the seedlings shortly after planting. Wireworms feed on the roots and lower stem of young plants, leading to poor establishment. White grubs, the larvae of beetles, also target roots, which can significantly impede plant growth.

Using seed treatments allows for a systemic effect where the chemicals absorbed by the emerging plant can deter or kill these pests right at the time of their feeding. This proactive approach helps ensure that the seedlings are protected from the very beginning, improving overall crop establishment and yield potential. Other options do not align as closely with the effectiveness of seed treatments for controlling below-ground insects.