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Fungal Volatiles as Olfactory Cues for Female Fungus Gnat, Lycoriella ingenua in the Avoidance of Mycelia Colonized Compost

Summary

This research investigated how fungus gnats, which are serious pests in mushroom farming, respond to chemical signals produced by mushroom-growing fungi. The study found that female gnats actually avoid areas with high concentrations of certain fungal scents, contrary to what might be expected. This discovery has important implications for pest control in mushroom cultivation. Impacts on everyday life: • Could lead to better pest control methods in mushroom farms • May help reduce crop losses in commercial mushroom production • Provides insights for developing natural pest deterrents • Could improve food security by protecting mushroom crops • May lead to more sustainable farming practices

Background

Fungus-insect ecological interactions are important for ecosystem stability, with fungal scents acting as both attractants and repellents depending on concentration and context. Fungus gnats are worldwide pests that thrive in dark, wet environments and can damage crops. Understanding how they respond to fungal volatiles is crucial for pest management.

Objective

To examine the role of environmental volatiles in behavioral oviposition preference of Lycoriella ingenua fungus gnats and identify the key olfactory cues that influence their behavior. The study aimed to clarify how common materials used in white button mushroom cultivation affect L. ingenua behavior and identify the most important volatile compounds involved.

Results

Three compounds from phase III compost headspace elicited consistent antennal responses: 1-hepten-3-ol, 3-octanone, and 1-octen-3-ol. In behavioral assays, fungus gnats preferred uncolonized compost over colonized compost. When synthetic versions of the identified compounds were added to uncolonized compost, either individually or in combination, gnats showed clear avoidance behavior.

Conclusion

Female L. ingenua fungus gnats are not primarily attracted to volatiles emitted by Agaricus bisporus mycelia. Instead, high concentrations of certain fungal volatiles trigger avoidance behavior. This suggests that fungal volatile compounds serve as indicators of unsuitable habitats for larval development, helping females avoid ovipositing in heavily colonized substrates.
  • Published in:Journal of Chemical Ecology,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Experimental Study,
  • Source: 10.1007/s10886-020-01210-5
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