More In-Depth Information

Carrot Rust Fly

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Carrot Rust Fly Larvae and AdultCarrot Rust Fly Larvae and Adult

Larvae and Carrot Feeding Damage Larvae and Carrot Feeding Damage 

Larvae and Feeding Damage on CarrotLarvae and Feeding Damage on Carrot

Yellow Sticky Trap in Garden PlotYellow Sticky Trap in Garden Plot

HOSTS

  • Carrot
  • Celery
  • Parsnip
  • Turnip

DESCRIPTION

Adults are small, black, slender flies with a reddish yellow head and yellowish legs. Larvae are creamy white maggots with a tapered body. Larvae tunnel through the lower third of carrot roots with rasping mouth hooks and may kill plants.

BIOLOGY

Egg | Larva | Pupa | Adult
Carrot rust flies are present from May until harvest. They have 2-3 generations per year. They overwinter as pupae in the soil or occasionally as larvae in roots.

SYMPTOMS

Feeding damage occurs as mined roots, particularly the lower third. Young plants may be killed while older carrots sustain scarring, with burrows often a red rusty color. Damage can promote rotting.

GENERAL MANAGEMENT

  • This pest is sporadic in Utah, and when present, can be economically damaging

    • Monitor adults with yellow sticky cards beginning in late April and throughout the season
    • Row covers
    • Harvest carrots in blocks (rather than selectively) as soon as possible
    • Remove all carrots from the ground after harvest

INSECTICIDES

Consider treatment when there are 2-3 adults per sticky trap per field.



















Precautionary Statement: Utah State University and its employees are not responsible for the use, misuse, or damage caused by application or misapplication of products or information mentioned in this document. All pesticides are labeled with ingredients, instructions, and risks, and not all are registered for edible crops. “Restricted use” pesticides may only be applied by a licensed applicator. The pesticide applicator is legally responsible for proper use. USU makes no endorsement of the products listed in this publication.