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Attraction, Oviposition and Larval Survival of the Fungus Gnat, Lycoriella ingenua, on Fungal Species Isolated from Adults, Larvae, and Mushroom Compost

Summary

This research investigated what attracts fungus gnats to mushroom growing facilities and what causes them to lay eggs there. The study found that different fungi present in mushroom compost work together – some attract the flies while others trigger egg-laying. This knowledge could help develop better ways to control these destructive pests in mushroom farms. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to more effective and environmentally-friendly pest control in mushroom farms • May help reduce crop losses and keep mushroom prices stable for consumers • Provides insight into controlling similar pests in other agricultural settings • Demonstrates the complex relationships between insects and fungi in agriculture • Could help improve food security by protecting valuable mushroom crops

Background

The fungus gnat Lycoriella ingenua is a severe pest of cultivated white button mushrooms (Agaricus bisporus) in the United States. Previous research showed females are attracted to mushroom compost and the parasitic green mold Trichoderma aggressivum, but not to mushrooms themselves. Understanding what attracts these pests is important for developing control methods.

Objective

To identify fungal species in mushroom compost that attract female L. ingenua flies and induce oviposition, by isolating fungi from adult males and females, third instar larvae, and mushroom compost itself. The goal was to find fungal species that might be more attractive than T. aggressivum for potential use in monitoring and control.

Results

Females were equally attracted to T. aggressivum, Scytalidium thermophilium, and Penicillium citrinum, but only P. citrinum induced equivalent oviposition levels. Some species like Aspergillus flavus induced high oviposition despite low attraction. Larvae only survived to adulthood on P. citrinum (60% survival), Chaetomium sp. (73%), and S. thermophilum (70%). No larvae survived on T. aggressivum or other Aspergillus species.

Conclusion

Different fungal species in mushroom compost appear to work together to influence L. ingenua behavior – some attracting females and others inducing oviposition once females arrive. T. aggressivum remains the most behaviorally active species overall. Understanding these relationships could help develop synthetic lures for monitoring and controlling host-seeking female flies during critical early crop establishment periods.
  • Published in:PLoS One,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Research Study,
  • Source: 10.1371/journal.pone.0167074
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