Flight Habits of Carrot Rust Flies Suggest Possible Method of Control

Publisher Website
Google Scholar
Abstract
Observations made on the flight habits of the carrot rust fly, Psila rosae, in a celery field revealed an increase of adults as wind velocity decreased. Observations in another location revealed a progressive movement of flies from shelter surrounding the field as an afternoon breeze died down and as sunlight became less bright. In a 3d set of observations, adults were found to prefer the darkest shade available during the afternoon. The 3 sets of observations, plus the apparent feeding of caged adults on droplets of moisture, led to the idea of bait-spraying in the shelter areas around carrots or celery. The possibility of success with such treatment was indicated by the collection of 100 dead flies in 20 days underneath a small maple tree sprayed twice with Ca arsenate-water (5-100). A suggested spray schedule to be followed in spraying the surroundings of infested fields is given.

This publication has 2 references indexed in Scilit: