Bulb fly larva infecting bulbs needed

The great bulb fly mysteryjb (1)
Please see the attachment requesting either adult bulb flies or bulbs that are infested. We are researching a virus that prevents the females from laying their eggs. It has never been reported before in the U.S. If we can find it, learn how to manipulate it, it should prove to be an excellent biological control agent of this pestiferous fly. Thanks for your help. Dr. SToffolano
 title= or 413-545-1046 to talk to or leave a message.

 

4 comments for “Bulb fly larva infecting bulbs needed

  1. Hi Dr. Stoffolano,

    It’s kinda early in the season for me to find bulb fly maggots as they are just hatched out and have begin their greedy munching on the inside of the bulb.  Usually about planting time (the fall season as they have done their thing and caused the bulb to become soft and soggy) is when I find them, when I had bulb fly maggots.  I hope you luck on the virus that stops females from laying their eggs.

    However, I have been using the liguid Bayer Insect Killer with imidaclopidol for the last couple of years sprayed on the ground and on the base of my daffodils.  I have not even found a bulb fly flying around my daffodils this year.  I think I may have found the ingredient, not virus, that kills the bulb fly.

    Clay

  2. Clay, Thanks for your insightful comments and your method of controlling the bulb fly. Unfortunately, most companies are phasing out imidaclopidol because it has been reported to have a major impact on pollinators. If you know of anyone that can send me either adult flies or bulbs in the fall I would appreciate knowing. Thanks again for reading my post. Best, Professor Stoffolano
    I SHOULD ALSO MENTION IN CASE OTHERS READ THIS THAT I DO NOT USE SOCIAL MEDIA THINGS SO IF YOU NEED TO CONTACT ME, PLEASE USE EMAIL.  title=

  3. What College/University are you associated in Massachusetts?  I was BU and Northeastern, and both my kids were U. Mass Amherst.

    If I have any bulb fly maggots it will be fall before I find them.  If so, I’ll try to send a couple to you.

    Clay

  4. I am in the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at Umass Amherst. I am in Fernald Hall.

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