Fly pests of maize in the Americas

Diptera larvae attack maize reproductive tissue as primary pests from the southern states of the United States south through South America.  Eleven species of Ulidiidae in the genera Euxesta and Chaetopsis are currently known to attack maize ears and developing tassels within whorls.  Two species of Phoridae (Megaselia spp.) are known to attack maize ears in Central America.  A Drosophila sp. was added to the list of Diptera primary pests of maize ears in Florida in 2013.  General biology, ecology and the various strategies used to control them throughout the Americas will be presented.  Future challenges for control of these pests in relation to increasing production of maize, IPM of GMO maize, and development of insecticide resistance by Ulidiidae will be discussed.