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P. 12
Iris Bud Fly Control
Methods
By Ann Granatier
ast summer we published an article (Volume
56 Issue 3) about a new bug that was
attacking all types of iris; the Iris bud fy,
neorthocheta dissimilis. After consultation
Lwith various gardeners throughout southern
Ontario, we are fnding that this pest is defnitely
becoming more prevalent. Currently, we are working with
both the RBG and OMAFRA to confrm the identity of
this pest, the extent of its spread and control methods.
Symptoms of Iris bud fy.
• Bug is found in all Iris types
• Flowers are disfgured when they open.
• Style arms are chewed and pollen is gone.
• Buds are mushy and do not open.
The following article from Jan Sacks of Joe Pye Weed Gardens in Maine highlights
their problems with this pest. He advises that 1 in 3-4 fowers are infested with this pest.
A hybridizer’s nightmare.
A Ray of Light in the Battle Against Neorthocheta dissimilis.
By Jan Sacks
Marty Schafer and I (Carlisle,
Massachusetts) have battled the “Iris
Bud Fly”, Neorthocheta dissimilis,
in our siberian iris fowers for over
25 years. Many siberian iris growers
in Massachusetts have had problems
with this pest. It is a fy that lays it’s
eggs on or inside the bud of siberians
fowers. The fy maggots, tiny
caterpillars, then eat the pollen in the
bud so that when the fower opens it
is disfgured and the pollen is gone.
Bud Fly pupae
10 Canadian Iris Society Newsletter
Methods
By Ann Granatier
ast summer we published an article (Volume
56 Issue 3) about a new bug that was
attacking all types of iris; the Iris bud fy,
neorthocheta dissimilis. After consultation
Lwith various gardeners throughout southern
Ontario, we are fnding that this pest is defnitely
becoming more prevalent. Currently, we are working with
both the RBG and OMAFRA to confrm the identity of
this pest, the extent of its spread and control methods.
Symptoms of Iris bud fy.
• Bug is found in all Iris types
• Flowers are disfgured when they open.
• Style arms are chewed and pollen is gone.
• Buds are mushy and do not open.
The following article from Jan Sacks of Joe Pye Weed Gardens in Maine highlights
their problems with this pest. He advises that 1 in 3-4 fowers are infested with this pest.
A hybridizer’s nightmare.
A Ray of Light in the Battle Against Neorthocheta dissimilis.
By Jan Sacks
Marty Schafer and I (Carlisle,
Massachusetts) have battled the “Iris
Bud Fly”, Neorthocheta dissimilis,
in our siberian iris fowers for over
25 years. Many siberian iris growers
in Massachusetts have had problems
with this pest. It is a fy that lays it’s
eggs on or inside the bud of siberians
fowers. The fy maggots, tiny
caterpillars, then eat the pollen in the
bud so that when the fower opens it
is disfgured and the pollen is gone.
Bud Fly pupae
10 Canadian Iris Society Newsletter
