Overview
The species Rhagoletis pomonella is commonly known as the apple maggot. The damage caused by this pest results in fruit becoming spongy and discoloured, and is most common to Eastern Canada.
Main description
The eggs of the species R. pomonella are elliptical, semi-opaque and creamy white. The larvae are 8 mm long, creamy in colour and have no legs. The apple maggot at maturity is black with a single white spot and has clear wings with transverse dark markings.
Optimal conditions for infestation
The apple maggot will build up large populations in unsprayed orchards, or when inefficient insecticides are applied.
Scouting
The following method is commonly used in the baiting of apple maggots to deter the maggots from feeding on the fruiting bodies. The method involves the placement of yellow sticky baited traps, as well as red spheres coated in bird tanglefoot to detect adult emergence. Ammonium acetate or carbonate, or hydrolyzed protein solutions can be sprinkled on the traps, enhancing their attractiveness. Place four yellow traps per orchard, at approximately eye level, for detection and evaluation of the population levels of the fly. See provincial recommendations.
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