Blueberry Maggot
Scientific Name
Rhagoletis mendax
Description
Blueberry maggots are the larval stage of a small fly that infests blueberries. They are identifiable by tiny puncture marks and tunnels in the fruit, which eventually lead to decay and loss of marketable yield.
Characteristics
These maggots are creamy white with dark head capsules. Their feeding creates tunnels in the fruit that result in premature fruit drop and reduced quality, severely impacting crop yield.
Control Methods
- Organic sprays: Apply organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil during peak adult activity to deter oviposition and lower larval survival.
- Cultural practices: Implement crop rotation and interplant with repellent species to minimize breeding sites. Remove volunteer plants that can serve as alternate hosts.
- Preventive methods: Maintain strict orchard sanitation by removing overripe and fallen fruit. Use netting to protect blueberry bushes from adult flies, and monitor regularly to catch early infestations.
- Biological controls: Encourage natural enemies such as parasitic wasps, predatory beetles, and insectivorous birds which help reduce fly populations.
- Mechanical physical: Utilize sticky traps and fine netting to capture adult flies and block egg-laying on fruit.
Natural Enemies
- Parasitic Wasps
- Predatory Beetles
- Insectivorous Birds