Onion question

[bluecar]

Hello all.

For the last few years our plot has sufferred from onion fly. This year I netted the onions and have escaped the problem. Can I now take the netting off with out risking infection?

Regards

Bluecar

[bluecar]

[GRACELAND]

um why do you need to use it else where ?

if not i would leave it on  :)

[saddad]

Not sure... I'm considering netting mine next year... would be good to know the life cycle so I could uncover them sometimes... other than just weeding days!  :-\

[GRACELAND]

One onion fly maggot or larvae often destroys three or four onions before it becomes full grown and pupates.

A second generation of onion flies appears in late July or August. These onion flies again lay eggs which hatch into maggots.

[saddad]

So best to leave them covered until lifted?

[GRACELAND]

I would say so   ;)

[bluecar]

Thanks all.

I don't need to move the netting, but the top leaves are being turned over by it. I'll stick with the advice and keep it on for the time being. I didn't use netting on my over wintering onions and they have been fine. Any one know why that is - they were alongside the spring sown ones.

Regards

Bluecar

[chriscross1966]

I'd suggest you haven't had any fly this year... if the foliage is touching the net they can lay through the net onto it, same as cabbage whites on brassicas....

chrisc

[bluecar]

Hello Chrisc.

I had around 40 onions (spring sown sets) which were not covered, in between the netted and the over wintering. These had twisted leaves and a black bug in them. As said the over wintering were fine and the netted are great although it's a bit worrying if they can still be attacked.

Regards

Bluecar