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Identifying carrot fly on Parsnip
Slender black fly with a yellow head; cream-yellow larvae tunnel through roots of carrots, parsnips, and celery.
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Life cycle
Two to three generations per year; adults attracted by the scent of bruised foliage, laying eggs at the base of plants.
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Damage to Parsnip
Larval tunnels cause rusty-brown scarring and channels in roots, stunted growth, and rot; heavily affected roots are inedible.
healing
How to treat carrot fly on Parsnip
Lift and destroy infested roots. No effective rescue treatment once larvae are inside roots.
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Preventing carrot fly on Parsnip
Grow behind a 60cm barrier or under fine mesh to block low-flying adults; thin plants in the evening to reduce scent release; choose resistant varieties.