Maggots Found In California Strawberry Fields

By Growing Produce Staff|December 20, 2010

Several growers in the Santa Maria area have recently reported maggot infestation in their young strawberry fields. Surendra Dara, a University of California (UC) Cooperative Extension strawberry and vegetable crops advisor, says he has visited some fields and collected some specimens. The maggots are whitish with a tapering body and approximately ¼ inch long, he reports in his blog.

The maggots are legless and have a thick and opaque skin. They look like seedcorn maggots [Delia platura (Family: Anthomyiidae)], but accurate identification is pending. UC researchers, the state Department of Food and Agriculture, and the county Agriculture Commissioner’s office have specimens and are working on identifying the pest.

There are some species that are very difficult to identify or distinguish from similar species by looking at the immature stages, says Dara. These maggots appear similar to seedcorn maggots, but correct identification can be made with adult insects. CDFA may have keys for identifying immature stages.

Seedcorn maggot damage depends on the conditions. They are an occasional pest in nurseries and not usually seen in the production fields. Since these are young plants, they could eventually outgrow the damage. On the other hand, if the damage is extensive and killing plants, that is obviously a concern, Dara reports.

For more information, such as how growers are dealing with the problem, as well as to see pictures of the maggots, check out Dara’s blog: ucanr.org/blogs/strawberries-vegetables/.