Ecology and Integrated Pest Management of the Carrot Rust Fly (Psila rosae (Fabricius, 1794)), in the Holland Marsh, Ontario

Abstract

This thesis is an investigation of the ecobiology and integrated pest management (IPM) of the carrot rust fly (Psila rosae) (CRF) in the Holland Marsh, Ontario. The Holland Marsh is a major carrot producing area in North America. Carrot rust fly is a serious pest of carrots. An IPM program for CRF is used within the Holland Marsh. Published CRF rearing procedures were found to be inadequately detailed. Improvements to the procedure were identified. Various insecticides, including seed treatments, in-furrow, and post-emergent, were evaluated for their effectiveness to control CRF. No conclusions could be made on their effectiveness due to low pest pressure. The natural enemy species composition in the Holland Marsh was determined and known CRF and carrot weevil natural enemies were identified. The IPM program used in the Holland Marsh was not found to be detrimental to the natural enemy species richness or abundance.