Onion Root Maggot
Delia antiqua
Also known as Onion Fly
Host Plants:
On Crops: Onions, garlic
Where Found:
Worldwide, especially in cool climates
Description:
Onion flies (the parents of onion root maggots) are small hump-backed flies that emerge in late spring, just as onions begin to grow vigorously. They lay eggs at the base of onion plants, and the larvae tunnel into onion roots.
Damage:
When young onion plants wilt for no apparent reason, pull up a sample plant to check for legless worms (maggots) feeding on it roots. Frequently the plant will break off as you pull it from the ground.
Preventing Problems:
Floating row covers (fleece) are an effective way to prevent egg laying by adults. Be sure to get covers installed early, before the newly emerged adults fly in search of host plants. At the end of each season, be sure to pull all onions from the garden. Dig and move perennial onions every fall.
Managing Outbreaks:
Remove badly damaged plants, as the maggots can move from one plant to another. Beneficial nematodes are the only effective treatment for this pest.
Tips:
Yellow sticky traps or yellow pans of water can be used to monitor and trap onion flies.
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