[hogwarden]

  I`ve had problems with this pest the last few years getting at my peas and beans-somewhere I saw an article on how to adapt for these little b8gg8rs but really could do with some detailed lowdown on when active/how to avoid/control etc. I like my peas and beans and we all see them on peoples plots so how do they get the plants to mature before the BSF (and there are a few phrases that fit those letters!) gets at them. I`m getting very twitchy about another round of dissapointment-HELPPPP...plz.

[mumofstig]

Here is the advice from Garden Organic

Bean Seed Fly:The larvae (small white maggots) attack the germinating seed and growing point of bean and pea seedlings. If the growing point is chewed through, then growth will be terminated, if the seedling survives, fungal rots might follow and again the seedling may not grow.

Especially vulnerable are seeds that are directly sown in soils that remain cold. Germination is slowed in cooler temperatures, so try starting seeds off in modules indoors and plant them out when the soil is warmer.

I start all of mine in paper pots and plant out when they have a few leaves, not had any problems yet

[Salmo]

Read all about them
http://www.which.co.uk/documents/pdf/bean-seed-flies-151468.pdf

The flies like to lay their eggs on freshly disturbed soil especially if there is lots of organic matter. e.g. newly prepared beds with manure/compost. The maggots prefere to feed on rotting organic matter but if germinating beans are there they will feed on them.

Raising beans in modules/trays is the best solution.

There is no mention of peas in this article so maybe you have something else attacking them?

[Aidy]

I was hit last year by them, got photo's somewhere, I had to start with fresh stock. Pesky things, no idea how to stop them other than makes sure your transplants are strong and well watered, seemed to do the trick in the end.