Carrot rust fly

Caused by: Psila rosae
Problem Category: Insect
Symptoms: Surface scarring of taproot caused by tunnels; tunnels are filled with a rust colored mush; adult insect is a small, dark colored fly; larvae are white maggots approximately 1 cm (0.3 in) long
Comments: Carrot rust fly also attacks parsnip, celery and other Umbelliferous crops which will also need to be protected if carrot rust fly is a problem
Management: Use of row covers will help to protect plants from damage but they must be installed before adult fly lays eggs on plants; harvest carrots in blocks; do not leave any carrots in the ground over winter to reduce overwintering sites
Control: spray 5% neem seed kernal extract or 5ml Neem oil to control the fly damage