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Small white larva eating cucumber, bean & squash seeds #869282

Asked May 20, 2024, 2:06 PM EDT

I have found very small white inside of green bean seeds that have not come up. Also in squash & cucumber seeds. In some cases there are empty squash and cumber seed shells that are on the surface of the soil. The beans that have sprouted have brown leaves. I used bi-mart container potting soil steer manure mixed together in small pots. The pots are in an unheated green house. This happened last year and at that time I thought was from using potting soil from the previous year that was in an open bag. No other seeds I have planted (tomato, lettuce, beats, peppers, flowers, carrots &herbs have had this problem. I store my seeds in a sealed plastic container in the garage. Help! Note: I have pictures I can send but was unable to upload.

Deschutes County Oregon

Expert Response

Hi Diane,
Thank you for your question about the white larva eating your vegetable seeds. I cannot determine what larva it is without photos.

I recommend you contact the Plant Clinic at the OSU Deschutes County Extension in Redmond. You can call the phone number listed below or send your photos and question to <personal data hidden>

A member of the Horticulture Staff or a Master Gardener on duty can talk with you about the larva. You may be asked to bring a sample to the Extension office so that it can be physically examined for identification. The person on duty can then make management suggestions.

The Deschutes County Extension Service Office is located on the fairgrounds in Redmond, near parking lot J.

Summer Hours: Monday through Thursday, 9:00 to 5:00 pm, Friday 9:00 am to 1:00 pm.

Phone:<personal data hidden> x79630

We always welcome your home garden questions at the OSU Plant Clinic.


Susan P., OSU Master Gardener Volunteer Replied May 23, 2024, 4:37 PM EDT

Thanks! I will fu with the Plant Clinic. I did get rid of all the potting soil they were in but can send them the photos. 

The Question Asker Replied May 23, 2024, 10:40 PM EDT

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