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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 mushroom-growing fungus produces chemical signals that naturally repel certain pest insects. The findings could lead to more effective and environmentally friendly pest control in mushroom farms. Impact on everyday life: – Could help reduce pesticide use in mushroom farming – May lead to lower costs for mushroom production – Could result in better quality mushrooms for consumers – Demonstrates natural pest control possibilities – Contributes to more sustainable agricultural 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, particularly Lycoriella ingenua, are major pests in mushroom cultivation that can cause significant economic damage through direct feeding and disease transmission.

Objective

The study aimed to clarify how common materials used in white button mushroom cultivation affect L. ingenua behavior and identify key olfactory cues. The researchers examined the role of environmental volatiles in behavioral oviposition preference through collection of headspace volatiles from cultivation materials and testing them on female L. ingenua antennae.

Results

Three antennally active compounds were identified from colonized compost headspace: 1-hepten-3-ol, 3-octanone, and 1-octen-3-ol. In behavioral assays, female fungus gnats showed clear avoidance of colonized compost compared to uncolonized compost. When synthetic versions of the identified compounds were added to uncolonized compost, either individually or in combination, they also triggered avoidance behavior.

Conclusion

Female L. ingenua are not primarily attracted to volatiles emitted by Agaricus bisporus mycelia, and high concentrations of certain volatiles actually trigger avoidance behavior. The identified fungal volatiles serve as reliable indicators of colonized compost, which is unsuitable for larval development. This suggests potential applications for pest management in mushroom cultivation.
  • Published in:Journal of Chemical Ecology,
  • Study Type:Experimental Research,
  • Source: 10.1007/s10886-020-01210-5
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