stepping on carrot seedlings...are they bonkers?

[dingerbell]

Down at my local pub, a number of old Lottie Veterans meet most evenings over a half pint of scrumpy to put the world to rights. On the subject of Carrot Fly prevention, their collective wisdom is that one should gently tread on newly emerged seedlings. Anyone ever come across this piece of sage advice?  You must be aware however that some of these old boys talk affectionately about roast Badger Hocks and Rook Pie.....are they pulling my leg?? ???

[dingerbell]

[Curryandchips]

I suspect they may be, but am willing to keep an open mind. I would have presumed that treading on the seedlings would attract the carrot fly ... if not kill the seedling.

[supersprout]

Rook pie is genuine ;D
Not at all sure about the rest dingerbell, they sound like a wily old bunch to me ;)

[Sprout]

Unless the idea is that by stamping on the seedlings you firm the soil around it making it difficult for the carrot fly to lay it's eggs in the soil?

[jennym]

Not heard of stamping on carrot seedlings. I do tread down the soil when I plant peas though.

[saddad]

Someone else in another thread suggested treading along the row after sowing which would totally prevent any germination on my heavy clay soil, it would cap like concrete but may work on lighter soil...
???

[Tee Gee]

I can see some reasoning in the idea.

But I would have thought 'timing' would be of the essence.

Try this for a theory, sow seed under normal conditions, i.e. in well tilled ground.

Allow the seeds to germinate and grow to say ½"-1" tall then tread on them.

This would compact the soil surface thus making a 'crust' that the carrot fly larvae might not be able to penetrate.

The carrot would grow below the crust and the leaves above it.

Anyone for trying the idea???? I can't I am am growing mine in barrels this year.

[Merry Tiller]

Sounds like tosh to me :-\