Why does your Broccoli Thunder Dome have tiny black flies? Diagnose the cause and fix it with our step-by-step guide.
Pet FriendlyThe tiny black flies are likely fungus gnats, which thrive in the moist organic matter found in broccoli cultivation. While adults are mostly a nuisance, their larvae feed on organic matter and can damage fine root hairs of the broccoli plant.
If the broccoli is maturing or showing signs of decay, fruit flies may be attracted to the fermenting sugars in decomposing plant tissue. They are common in high-humidity vegetable beds.
While the flies themselves aren't leafminers, their presence often correlates with high moisture that supports other dipteran pests. The larvae of certain flies can create serpentine trails within the broccoli leaves.
Your plant might also be experiencing one of these issues: