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
um why do you need to use it else where ?
if not i would leave it on :)
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! :-\
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.
So best to leave them covered until lifted?
I would say so ;)
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
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
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