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An attack of sciara fly can be noticed when the 2-3 mm long black flies
come up when the plant is moved. The adults do not damage the plants,
but the larvae do. They are around 5 mm long, glassy, legless and with
a black head. They are most dangerous in seed trays, as the young plants
need constantly moist conditions which are ideal for the larvae.
If there is an outbreak in a seed tray, the best solution is to remove
undamaged seedlings, taking care no soil goes with them and replant
afresh, for safety watering with a contact insecticide. New egg-laying
can be avoided by covering the surface of the soil with a thin layer
of sand. The sand dries quickly and discourages the female sciara from
laying her eggs in the soil. Adults can be trapped using the yellow
sticky strips.
Fungus gnats |
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Trapped by a yellow sticky strip |
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