Observations on the biology and experiments on control of the mangold fly (Pegomyta betae Curtis) on sugar beet

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Abstract
The fly (Pegomyia betae Curtis) was studied in its ecological and phenological aspects in central Nottinghamshire, and experiments on the lines of Continental workers, using sodium fluoride and molasses spray, were carried out.It is shown that some pupae from the second generation‐ fail to emerge in the late summer but emerge in the spring of the following year, rather earlier than the pupae resulting from the third generation. The flies resulting from this early emergence are less fertile than those appearing later.Methods of control discussed include cultural, biological and chemical means. Delayed drilling (not before mid‐May) helps to avoid the attack of the first generation. A rapid increase in number of parasites was observed and resulted in the annihilation of a large population of the fly. Treatment with molasses/sodium fluoride bait spray gave promise of control.