s\ 



COLLEGE OF 

 AGRICULTURE 

 UNIVERSITY OF 

 ILLINOIS AT 

 URBANA CHAMPAIGN 

 AND NATURAL 

 HISTORY SURVEY 

 URBANA, ILLINOIS 



NSECT WEED & PL ANT DISEASE SURVEY BULLETIN 



TATE/COUNTY/LOCAL GROUPS/US. DEPARTMEMT OF AGRICULTURE COOPERATING 



SPECIAL NEWS RELEASE 



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 



Diazinon Buildup 

 Reduces Seeding Rates 



URBANA--A diazinon seed treatment has been recommended 

 for the first time this year to protect germinating corn seeds 

 against attack by seed corn beetles and seed corn maggots. 



University of Illinois and Natural History Survey 

 Entomologist H.B. "Pete" Petty says the practice is good, but as 

 with all new practices, a few problems have resulted. 



Under some conditions--possibly high humidity--corn 

 seeding rates have been seriously reduced. Some farmers have been 

 forced to replant. The problem occurs when diazinon dust builds 

 up under the corn planter plates. 



Petty cautions farmers to remove and examine the plates 

 frequently to avoid the buildup problem. And he advises adding 

 additional graphite, as they have done in the past, to ensure an 

 even flow of seed. 



As an additional precaution, farmers should avoid applying 

 more than recommended rates of diazinon. An overdose results in 

 extra dust. 



Premixing the powder and seed corn before putting it in 

 the planter box also may help prevent the buildup problem. 



-30- 



JTS: je 



