Onion Maggot – (Delia antiqua) is the most serious insect pest in onions. Onion maggots damage both the roots and more importantly the bulbs of onion, radishes and garlic. Most root maggot adults are attracted to rotting organic matter; avoid incorporating animal manure or green manure in spring. When possible, delay planting susceptible plants until the threat of root maggots is reduced, which is generally after June 1st.
It is important to remove host plants in the fall, including their roots, and destroy them which kill the overwintering pupae. This practice also helps to expose over-wintering pupae to predators and cause them to dry out. Onion maggots cause the greatest damage in their first larval stage, which occurs when the plants are very young. The maggot over-winters in the soil.
Control includes: disposing of cull piles or volunteer onions. Second and third generation onion maggots prefer injured or dying tissue. Avoid damaging or bruising any of the crop during harvest
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