Seasonal distribution of stem-boring larvae including frit fly (Diptera: Oscinella frit L.) and pest damage in perennial ryegrass

Changes in the population of stem-boring Dipterous larvae (including Oscinella frit ) were examined weekly for a year on plots of perennial ryegrass ( Lolium perenne cv. S24). The herbage net regrowth rate of these plots and of plots receiving the pesticide, phorate, was also monitored. Herbage net regrowth rates were greatest in April and October. At the same times the differences in net regrowth between treated and untreated plots were greatest, thus indicating the periods of the greatest loss of production due to pest damage to the sward.
Populations of stem-boring larvae fell below 100 m⁻² for only 4 weeks in the year and were maximal in autumn and early winter. Larval mortality exceeded 50% during the winter period. A correlation was found between larval activity and sward damage.