Hoverflies, root mites and flies are some of the main pests that can spoil the onion harvest.
In order not to be upset by a poor harvest, you need to prevent the onion fly from spreading in your area.
What harm does the onion fly cause?
The onion fly looks like a housefly and a cabbage fly, but is slightly larger. Females lay eggs in May, placing them under clods of earth or between leaves.
The larvae damage the bulbs, which then rot. The leaves wither and turn yellow.
But the problem is that two generations of onion flies develop during the season. The second wave attacks the bulbs in July and August.
How to fight onion fly
Experienced gardeners advise planting onions early. Ideally, if the plot is peaty. Plants need to be inspected from time to time.
When characteristic signs appear, affected plants and larvae should be removed from the garden as soon as possible.
The soil is watered with a 0.2% solution of chlorophos. However, the product can be used no less than three weeks before using the onion.
