Carrot Root Fly in the Garden Our Pest Control Expert, Julian Ives, has spent many years advising commercial growers and gardeners on the subject of safe and efficient natural pest control treatments.
Here he shares his experience on the problems Carrot Root Fly can cause in the garden and how to apply the Carrot Root Fly Killer nematodes...
Applying Carrot Root Fly Nematodes The nematode contained in Carrot Root Fly Killer will also control cabbage root fly larvae. Apply shortly after transplanting or seed germination in raised or open soil beds. Pre-mix nematodes in a bucket of water and dilute into a watering can with a coarse rose grade rose attached. The nematodes can also be applied with a nematode applicator. Apply to crop rows or areas around the plants; avoid watering onto the leaves of plants, as the nematodes need to find the cabbage root fly larvae in the soil or growing media. The soil temperature should be above 10.c and avoid applying when there is a danger of frost. Water the treated area after application and keep the soil moist for at least 10 14 days. The nematodes contained in Carrot Root Fly killer move through the soil killing the larvae of carrot root fly and other small soil dwelling pest larvae. Use all the pack contents at once. The nematodes will remain active for up to six weeks, further applications may be required.
Appearance and Lifecycle Carrot root fly (Psila rosae) is about 8mm long with a red to brown head. The body is black and similar to ant with wings. The female adult carrot root fly lays eggs in the soil beside the plants it attacks. The first eggs are laid in April-May from adults that have emerged from overwintering pupae. There are normally 2-3 generations per year. The eggs hatch into larvae in about 7 days. The second generation appears through July and August.
Symptoms and Damage The carrot root fly larvae feed on root hairs and then burrow into the stems and roots of plants. Seedlings and transplants are very vulnerable to attack. Carrot root fly attack carrots, parsnips, celery and parsley. First symptoms are a reddish tinge to carrot leaves appearing and plants wilting. The creamy coloured larvae of the carrot root fly burrow into roots and allow secondary rots to get into the carrots. Natural Choice Treatments There are now a number of products that can help protect carrots from carrot root fly. Invest in an essential early warning system in the form of carrot root fly traps to warn of carrot fly presence in crops and for more comprehensive control, we have nematode treatments for killing the carrot root fly larvae. There are also barriers and fleeces that can be used to protect carrots from attack.
