Post by lavandulagirl on Nov 25, 2008 3:26:18 GMT -5
Mikro2nd - do you till? Some species of Dacus ciliatus and Dacus curcurbitae overwinter in the soil, and deep ploughing can disrupt the hibernation cycle. Are you getting the worst damage in hot weather? If so, it sounds like one of these may be the culprit. Destroying rotted fruit in the field, as well as any maggot-spoiled pumpkins rather than composting them will help, too. Have you ever used pheremone traps? A product like tanglefoot, combined with pheremones, might help control adult flies, and prevent some egg laying.
BTW - if these are your culprits, you need to row cover prior to any damage. Once the maggots are fully fed, they pupate in the soil. By the time you see damage, row covers will be trapping the flies inside with your pumpkins.
BTW - if these are your culprits, you need to row cover prior to any damage. Once the maggots are fully fed, they pupate in the soil. By the time you see damage, row covers will be trapping the flies inside with your pumpkins.
