Safflower fly

Taxonomic position. The safflower fly (Acanthiophilus helianthi) belongs to the order Diptera, within the family Tephritidae (fruit flies). It is recognized as a primary pest of various Asteraceae species, with a particular affinity for cultivated safflower.

Crops and economic impact. The primary host is the safflower (Carthamus tinctorius), although it also infests various wild thistles and centaureas. The pest is economically significant because it feeds directly on the developing seeds and flower tissues, leading to reduced yields and lower oil content in affected seeds.

Biology and life cycle. This species overwinters as pupae inside puparia, usually located in the soil or within dried flower heads. Adult flies emerge in spring, coinciding with the budding stage of the host plants. Females insert their eggs into unopened flower heads, and the hatching larvae immediately begin feeding inside the receptacle.

Nature of damage. Larval feeding destroys the florets and ovaries, causing the flower heads to wither or become deformed. The presence of larvae and their frass inside the capitula often facilitates secondary infections by fungi, causing the entire head to rot in humid conditions, which effectively prevents seed formation.

Protection measures. Integrated pest management (IPM) is essential for control. Effective cultural practices include removing wild host plants such as thistles from the field borders and performing deep autumn plowing to bury and kill the overwintering pupae. Chemical control should be implemented during the early budding stage to prevent egg-laying before the flowers open.