Carrot Rust Fly
insectPsila rosae
Small fly whose larvae tunnel into carrot, parsnip, and celery roots.
Identification
Adult: shiny black fly with yellow head, 1/4 inch. Damage: rusty tunnels in carrot roots. Larvae: 1/3 inch cream maggots.
Damage & Symptoms
Rusty-brown tunnels in carrot roots. Forked roots. Secondary rot. Wilting tops.
Organic Control
Row covers from seed to harvest. Delayed planting (after first generation). Companion plant with onions (scientifically proven).
Chemical Control
Chlorpyrifos at planting (restricted). Limited options.
Prevention
Row covers (most effective). Crop rotation. Interplant with alliums. Avoid thinning carrots in evening (scent attracts fly). Harvest promptly.
Data confidence: medium | Source: curated_ipm