Carrot Root Fly - how long does it hang about

[carosanto]

I grow some cracking carrots  in a bath-tub as my stony soil grows 'fangs' carrots and parsnips.  The last that I harvested, sadly had been got at by the CRF - which has never hitherto attacked my b-tc's.

How long does it stay in the soil, does it lay eggs and do they over-winter?  I grow under fleece until mid-August, then took fleece off.  Were the little blighters still around then, and have they learned to fly higher?  Any help would be apprec iated, I don't really want to change out my bath-tub soil, but will if it's the only way I can get my usually superb results.

Carosanto

[carosanto]

[goodlife]

Yes..they lay the eggs into soil..little grubs feed on roots and over winter to hatch in late spring/early summer as new flies... ::)
So to cut that cycle you need to keep them netted from early on summer..
I'm not 100% sure about the 'season'...suppose weather has so much influence to their breeding...but to be 'safe'..my nets go on as soon as I've sown the seeds and don't come off untill tops of the carrots start dying for the winter.
B****y things.. >:( As for the flying height.. :-\..I think is goobledygoo..wind is able lift any insect higher than the so called 3 ft limit.
I'm sorry..but now that they found your carrots..they might be there to stay.. :-\ Is anybody else carrots suffering with it over there?

[BarriedaleNick]

They do seem to be able to survive a winter but a good dig over in spring should help - esp if you have a few local Robins.  I have one that virtually sits on my spade handle watching out for grubs and worms...

[Digeroo]

We got them the first year on pristine soil, they must have blown in.  Several people put neat little barriers round them -  made no difference if anything they were worse.  Never heard the height was 3 ft thought it was more like 18 inches.  I personally think  need total covering.   The wind just swirls them up into the air.

[Alex133]

I grow in a raised bed and totally covered with environmesh all season until completely cropped - does seem to work.

[saddad]

If you don't grow carrots... or other roots like parsnips in the bath for a season... any that over Winter should fly off in search of new roots to lay their eggs near...  :-\
They finally got into my "frame" after about ten years so I've grown spuds in it this year to see if that clears them out...  :-X

[Aden Roller]

Carrot fly seems to hang about for ever. I My carrots get a little visit every year but I have been growing them out in the open for years. Mostly the damage is slight and, even by the end of a very long time in the ground, those Autumn King lifted in winter are so large that the CF cause only superficial damage - nothing a good peeler can't sort out.  ;)

[Alex133]

Aden - I'm growing Autumn King as well - do they have to be lifted before the frosts or can they stay in the ground all winter?

[Aden Roller]

Aden - I'm growing Autumn King as well - do they have to be lifted before the frosts or can they stay in the ground all winter?

Down south I leave some in the ground through to February but by March the core is tough. Other than that they are a good Autumn and onwards crop.

They stood through last winter without problems despite snow & ice.  ;)

[carosanto]

Thanks folks for your replies.  I'm going to miss growing carrots for a season, and plant new pots instead.  I'll find another place just for next season, and keep the mesh on all summer.

Caro

[petefj]

The following URL has a very full and informative article on the carrot root fly its life cycle and habits.

http://5d.5a.5746.static.theplanet.com/article.php?artid=99

It would seem that we are now in a carrot fly free time.  I'll take the fleece from off mine this week-end.

Peter

[Aden Roller]

Don't forget to tell the carrot fly it's a free zone time.  :o I wouldn't trust the blighters!  ;)

(Personally I just ignore them and grow extra carrots)