Psila rosae
Pest description, crop damage and life history
See
Common Pests of Vegetable Crops
Pest monitoring Orange or yellow sticky traps can be used to monitor for carrot rust fly. In Ontario, Canada, an action threshold of one-tenth to two-tenths flies per trap per day is used. Degree-day accumulations have been calculated for carrot rust fly development.
Begin monitoring at the second leaf stage. Symptoms of larval attack are wilting and discolored ("rusty") foliage, especially in dry weather. Less severely damaged plants appear stunted.
Management-cultural control
Rotating crops plays an important role in reducing populations of this pest. Destroy volunteer carrots and all umbelliferous plants, as they may serve as alternate hosts and possible sources of infestation. Early harvest helps control damage. If early harvest is not possible, harvest in blocks rather than selectively. Deep plowing in fall or spring can be helpful. Floating row covers work very well and may be cost effective on high value crops.
Management-chemical control: HOME USE
None registered.
Management-chemical control: COMMERCIAL USE
None registered.