Carrot flies: how to recognise damage?
The carrot fly can cause considerable damage to roots. Its maggots in particular can be very problematic. Carrot flies lay their eggs on the underside of the plant’s leaves. The larvae that emerge from these eggs eat their way through the leaves towards the roots. The larvae first feed on the finer root hairs, which develop rusty-brown spots. They then start attacking the main roots.
How to prevent (further) damage?
Preventing further damage is actually very simple. First, clean the growing area. Next, check if your potting soil or substrate is still of sufficient quality. If not, you should improve the soil. Use Pure Zym to rinse the substrate before using it again. Another option is to add some cinnamon to boiling water. Let this extract cool down and then spray it on the soil. The smell keeps carrot flies away. Another smell they dislike is that of onions. You could consider planting some onions among your other plants.
About carrot flies
The carrot fly is between four and five millimetres long. Its abdomen is oval-shaped and shorter than the wings. One carrot fly can produce two or three generations each year. The carrot fly winters as a pupa near the carrots or as a maggot inside the carrot.
