Carrot fly: why it appears and how to get rid of it

Diseases and pests

The rich smell of carrots attracts carrot flies. The insects themselves cause no damage, but they lay eggs near carrots and other sensitive crops (dill, celery, parsley). This pest is a widespread problem, and farmers have developed a variety of control methods, including preventative ones.

Cause and symptoms of infection

The carrot fly thrives in warm, humid places. A vegetable garden is an ideal habitat for it. And carrot beds, abundantly moist and densely packed with crops, are a veritable paradise for the fly. It's here that it breeds, and its voracious larvae simply destroy the growing root vegetables.

Adult flies are about 8 mm long, shiny black, with a reddish head, orange legs, and transparent wings. Females are attracted to the plant's scent and lay eggs near it from late April to August. The larvae, which cause damage, emerge shortly afterward. They are 8-10 mm long and creamy white. Flies lay eggs 2 to 5 times per season. The larvae often overwinter in the roots.

Important!

The main reason for the appearance of this parasite is a high level of soil infestation with larvae, which occurs if carrots are planted in the same area every year.

The first sign of infection is carrot leaves turning orange, reddish, or rusty. They then turn yellow. When an infected carrot is lifted, the root tip will be black or dark, and the carrot itself will be red or purple. Close inspection of a seemingly healthy carrot may reveal small lesions, like holes, in the carrot. When placed in a bucket of water, a severely affected carrot will float to the surface.

Prevention and treatment methods

Prevention is the most effective method of controlling this insect. Here are some of the methods:

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Companion planting. It is recommended to grow carrots mixed with garlic and onions. Pests dislike the smell of these crops.
Strategic planting timing. The fly's active period begins in late spring and continues into autumn. By delaying planting until early summer, you can avoid the first generation of pests.
Crop rotation. Plant carrots in different areas each year to prevent pupae hatching mid-harvest from overwintering in the soil.
Resistant varieties. There are several resistant varieties, such as 'Flyaway,' 'Resistafly,' 'Maestro,' and 'Parano.'
Sparse planting. Avoid thinning beds, as this increases the odor that attracts pests.
Barriers. Protect vulnerable crops by surrounding them with high barriers of transparent polyethylene to exclude low-flying female flies, or by covering plants with insect-proof netting.

Gardeners who love organic harvests use folk remedies carrot fly controlThe most effective methods for getting rid of the parasite are the following:

Mustard. Growing shoots should be sprinkled with mustard powder during the fly's flight.
Wood ash and tobacco. Mix these ingredients in a 1:1 ratio and sprinkle the resulting mixture on young carrot tops. This will prevent carrot flies from laying eggs.
Onion decoction. Pour boiling water (1 liter) over a couple of handfuls of onion peels, let the decoction steep for 24 hours, then strain. Mix the decoction with water 1:1 and spray on the tops.

Chemicals should be used to kill these flies only in extreme cases, when folk remedies have failed. Insecticides such as Stefesin, Decis, and Volaton are often used.

Important!

When treating your garden with any preparations, you must strictly follow the instructions and also use personal protective equipment (rubber gloves and a respirator).

In addition to chemicals, less harmful biological products such as Fitoverm are also used. Just 10 ml of this product should be diluted in 5 liters of water, which is enough to treat beds of 10-12 square meters.