Harmful Diptera Pests in Garlic and Onion and Their Management

Abstract

Garlic (Allium sativum) is a hardy perennial member of the onion family presumably native to Central Asia; however, it has long been naturalized in southern Europe and throughout the world. Onion, on the other hand, is used all over the world, and its consumption depends mostly on the income level of consumers. It is an indispensable vegetable in the kitchen of many homes. Onions take third place in vegetable production after potato and tomato in Turkey. Mites, nematodes, and insect species cause damage to these plants, reducing considerably their yield. Among these pests, the most destructive are Delia platura Meigen (Diptera: Anthomyiidae) and Delia antiqua Meigen (Diptera: Anthomyiidae). The crop losses can sometimes reach up to 100%, depending on the crop and density of the pest. There are different methods to control these pests that vary by the pest type and the crop being applied. D. platura eat the contents of newly planted seeds, leaving empty seed shells and preventing germination. Also, D. antiqua. Young onions are particularly vulnerable. When the hide and bulb become entangled in the damaged plant, development stops, the plant turns yellow, and it breaks. Both pests are controlled using biological and chemical methods.