To: "North American Fruit Explorers" <nafex@lists.ibiblio.org>
Subject: Re: [NAFEX] Apple Maggot trap tree
Date: Mon, 7 Jan 2008 09:44:44 -0600
I'm noticing some conflicting information about "Apple
Maggot" in these discussions. Apple Maggot rarely emerges prior
to 900 DD and rarely after 2800 DD. Peak is typically the second
to third week of July, depending on the temperatures prior to that time.
The adult female is primarily attracted to color, which is why we use red
spheres (red plastic apples) or yellow traps w/pheromones. The greater the
color, the more they are attracted. We also cultivate our soil within the
tree line to a depth of about 6" which kills any overwintering pests including
Plum Curculio.
The flies typically don't begin to lay eggs until eight
to ten days after emergence. Both the males and the females will rest and
feed in the general area in which they emerge during the egg laying period. They
move short distances from tree to tree, usually no more than 200 to
300 yards. The flies are not usually attracted to the apple
fruit during this period and may even be found in unfruited trees and
shrubs in and around an orchard. For a more in depth fact sheet on
apple maggot, visit http://www.canr.msu.edu/vanburen/fappmag.htm. Hope
this helps.
> Michael Phillips wrote: "Apple maggot fly is drawn to ripening
fruit to > both feed and lay eggs." > >
Michael, > I don't agree. Maybe that's the case
where you live but certainly not > true for my area. Here, apple
maggot flees lay their eggs in developing > fruit. They begin
infecting fruit that is barely more than marble size. > Before I started
bagging my apples, much of the fruit was infected by the > time the
apples were half the size of a golf ball. I have only a few week's
> window of time to get the bags on the apples or I might as well forget
it > for the season. > Having said that, the
questions you asked are irrelevant. > > Jim Fruth >
Brambleberry Farm > Pequot Lakes, MN 56472 > For jams, jellies
& syrups: > www.bberryfarm.com > (877)265-6856 [Store] > (218)831-7018 [My Cell] >
> >