Crops Affected: more than 40 different host plants including corn, onion, garlic, peas, beans, cucumber, melon, pepper, potato, alfalfa, cotton, tobacco, wheat

States Affected: All states

Life Cycle: With up to five yearly generations, these flies mature from egg to adult in three to four weeks. Surviving winter as pupae in soil, adults emerge in early spring. Mating occurs within three days post-emergence. Eggs are laid in loose clusters amidst debris and around plant stems near the soil. Larvae feed on seeds and seedlings before pupating in the soil.

Damage: Larvae harm freshly planted seeds, devouring their contents, often resulting in empty seed shells. Affected seeds produce seedlings displaying spindly growth, minimal leaves, and premature death. In some cases, these maggots tunnel within seedling stems, exacerbating their impact on plant development.

Season to Trap: April to June

How To Use: Hang trap with lure inside at shoulder height near at risk or affected crops. Replace lures every 30 days through the season, and replace traps when 70% saturated. Adult males are attracted to the pheromones in the lure and the color of the traps in this kit. Once they land on the sticky trap, they become ensnared, never to mate or lay eggs again.

Additional IPM Solutions: Avoid practices that destroy or disrupt native beneficial insects. Practice cultural controls to make the field less attractive to egg-laying adults, such as turning the cover crops early, shallow planting, and well-prepared seed beds. Delayed planting and higher seeding rates may help prevent significant crop loss.