Apple Maggots
Apple Maggots are about 3/8 inches long and cause substantial damage to fruit. The tiny cream-colored larvae maggots feed in the fruit and pass through three growth stages. The damage caused by the Apple Maggots is a series of brownish and irregular tunnels which is called railroading.
Damaged frit eventually becomes soft and rotten and thus cannot be used. After 20-30 days feeding in the fruit the maggots drop to the ground where they bury themselves into the soil. After this they change into the pupal stage where they then spend the rest of the winter. Apple Maggots emerge as adults mid summer to early fall where the process then starts all over again. Controlling: Since adult maggot flies emerge for a long period of time it is important to start using insecticides about mid summer. Apples affected by apple maggots are unusable so getting control of them is vital. There are various forms of insecticide control both chemical and non-toxic. Contact your local County Extension Agent or local Master Gardener to get advice on what is working best in your particular region. |