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Walnut fly

Helene and PhilippeHelene and Philippe Posts: 2
in Problem solving
Hello together,

My first post ! I have a huge issue with my walnut as they are all attacked by the walnut fly  i.e. Rhagoletis completa.

Any hint how to get rid or a beat control it ?

Posts

  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited October 2020
    Welcome!  Unfortunately, there isn't an awful lot you can do about fruit flies like these.
    However, many of them have an overwintering stage in the old husks and leaf litter below the tree, so clearing all of that up from below the tree at the end of the year may help.
    This pdf should be helpful - from a US site but it's the same pest as now found in Europe.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
  • Helene and PhilippeHelene and Philippe Posts: 2
    Thanks Bob. I was afraid there isn't much to do . Some recommend trapping with yellow glue traps high within the tree. My walnut is from a seedling and has huge " Bijou" type nuts ...
    Hello from east of  France.

    Philippe
  • BobTheGardenerBobTheGardener Posts: 11,385
    edited October 2020
    You could also try regular (shallow) cultivation of the soil beneath the tree which will expose some of the overwintering larvae to predators.  The pdf suggests putting down a tarpaulin or similar at the time of year when they drop to the soil and bury themselves for winter.  I don't know how practical that would be in your situation but trying to interrupt the life cycle in some way is likely to be the best approach.
    A trowel in the hand is worth a thousand lost under a bush.
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