Identification
A fly whose larvae tunnel through the roots of carrots (as well as parsley, celery and parsnip). Symptoms: rusty tunnels and galleries in the root, brownish-red discolouration of the foliage, a bitter taste and rotting of the roots in storage. Adults are attracted by the scent of damaged leaves.
Treatment
Covers of horticultural fleece (a barrier against egg-laying), avoiding thinning or doing it in the evening and removing the debris (less attractant scent), companion planting with onions and leeks, crop rotation. Avoid sowing too densely.
Sources
- Atlas of vegetable pests
