One of the primary challenges for fresh market sweet corn production in Florida is the presence of cornsilk flies. Damage by larvae developing on corn kernels results in sufficient damage to result in rejection at packing houses and heavy economic losses. Insecticidal control is limited due to insecticide resistance, withdrawal requirements before harvest and protection of developing larvae under corn husks. Pupation of flies occurs in soil after larvae migrate from cobs. A series of laboratory experiments were conducted to evaluate soil type, moisture levels and presence of structure on fly pupation depth and revealed that all three factors significantly affected pupal depth. Pupation occurred at greater depths with soils of moderate moisture level and also with muck soil compared to other soil types. Addition of pipe cleaners as substitute for corn roots also resulted in greater depths for pupation. Better insight into the pupation ecology of cornsilk flies may enhance surveillance and management strategies.
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