[11] The miner is a possible passive vector of pathogenic species of fungi [12][13] that are responsible for the development of Fusarium crown and root rot and early decline of fields.

[17] Upon hatching, maggots undergo three larval instars or stages before pupating underneath the stem of the asparagus plant.

An integrated pest management program should be established in problem fields that combine 1) monitoring using yellow sticky traps [21] or scouting, 2) use of degree-day model to guide decisions about spraying (Morrison, in press), and 3) enhancement of biological control from the natural enemies of the asparagus miner.

The degree-day model can be accessed in the near future on Enviroweather's website, a free service maintained by Michigan State University Extension and tied into a statewide network of weather stations.

[22] Currently, growers apply broad spectrum pesticides, most commonly Sevin, to treat for adult asparagus miners in the field.

Coupling this management action with the degree-day model may allow growers to save money on chemicals and spare unneeded environmental costs.

More information can be found in the references to this article, or by going to the Vegetable Entomology website at Michigan State University to find more resources regarding insect pests in asparagus.