Yellow cereal fly

Opomyza florum

Overview:

Type of Pest: Opomyza florum, commonly known as the Flower Seed Fly, is a small fly that can be a pest of flowering plants, particularly those producing seeds.

Physical Characteristics:

  • Adults (Flies): Small, slender flies, typically around 2-3 mm in length.
  • Color: Adults may have a metallic appearance, with colors ranging from greenish to black.

Life Cycle:

  • Egg Stage: Eggs are laid on flowers or seeds.
  • Larval Stage: Larvae hatch from eggs and feed on developing seeds.
  • Pupal Stage: Larvae pupate in the soil.
  • Adult Stage: Fully developed flies emerge, and the cycle repeats.

Identification of Crop Infestation:

  • Seed Damage: Larvae feed on developing seeds, causing damage to seed quality.
  • Presence of Larvae: Larvae may be found inside damaged seeds or on flower heads.
  • Reduced Seed Production: Infested plants may exhibit reduced seed production.

Management Strategies:

  1. Cultural Practices:

    • Sanitation: Remove and destroy infested flower heads to reduce the population.
    • Crop Rotation: Rotate crops to disrupt the life cycle of Flower Seed Flies.

  2. Biological Control:

    • Parasitoid Wasps: Certain parasitoid wasps may parasitize Flower Seed Fly larvae.
    • Predatory Insects: Encourage natural predators such as beetles and other predatory insects.

  3. Chemical Control:

    • Insecticides: Application of insecticides may be considered, especially during periods of high infestation.
    • Seed Treatments: Treat seeds with insecticides before planting to protect against seed fly damage.

  4. Physical Barriers:

    • Row Covers: Use row covers to physically protect crops during vulnerable stages.
    • Netting: Install netting to prevent adult flies from accessing plants.

  5. Early Harvest:

    • Harvest Timing: Harvest crops early to minimize the risk of seed fly damage.

Note: Flower Seed Flies can impact seed production in flowering plants, leading to reduced seed quality. Integrated pest management (IPM) practices that combine cultural, biological, and chemical control methods are important for effective Flower Seed Fly management. Always follow recommended guidelines and consider the potential impact on beneficial insects and the environment.