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Microbial Control Agents for Fungus Gnats Affecting the Production of Oyster Mushrooms, Pleurotus spp.

Summary

This research explored natural ways to control pest insects that damage commercially grown oyster mushrooms. Scientists tested two biological control agents – a bacteria and a beneficial nematode – finding that the bacterial treatment effectively reduced pest populations without harming mushroom growth. This provides mushroom farmers with an environmentally-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides. Impacts on everyday life: • Helps ensure sustainable production of healthy, pesticide-free mushrooms for consumers • Provides mushroom farmers with safer pest control options that protect worker health • Demonstrates effective alternatives to chemical pesticides in food production • Supports local and organic mushroom farming operations • Contributes to more environmentally-friendly agricultural practices

Background

Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) are cultivated worldwide for food production but face challenges from fungus gnat infestations that can reduce yields. Conventional insecticides pose environmental concerns and may damage mushroom production, creating a need for sustainable pest control alternatives. Fungus gnat larvae feed on developing mushroom primordia and adults can spread diseases, making them a significant pest requiring effective management solutions.

Objective

The study aimed to develop a container bioassay system and evaluate the efficacy of two microbial control agents – Bacillus thuringiensis var. israelensis (Bti) and the entomopathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae – against fungus gnats affecting oyster mushroom production. The research also assessed whether these biological control agents impacted the mycelial growth of the mushrooms.

Results

Bti treatment significantly reduced fungus gnat emergence compared to S. feltiae and water controls across multiple bioassays. Bti provided 40-89% reduction in adult emergence, while S. feltiae showed limited to moderate effectiveness. Neither treatment negatively impacted the mycelial growth of the mushrooms based on substrate weight measurements over time.

Conclusion

The study demonstrated that Bti could serve as an effective and sustainable pest management tool for controlling fungus gnats in oyster mushroom production. S. feltiae showed variable and generally limited efficacy, possibly due to the nematophagous properties of Pleurotus species. The bioassay system developed provides a useful method for evaluating future pest control strategies.
  • Published in:Insects,
  • Study Type:Laboratory Bioassay,
  • Source: 10.3390/insects12090786
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