Microbial Control Agents for Fungus Gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae: ) Affecting the Production of Oyster Mushrooms, spp.

Infestations of fungus gnats (Diptera: Sciaridae) can reduce the production of oyster mushrooms ( spp.) grown as food crops within controlled environments. The objectives of this study were to assess the efficacy of var. () and against fungus gnat larvae. A bioassay was developed, whereby pasteurized straw was inoculated with and treated with (Gnatrol), (Nemashield), or water. Fungus gnats ( sp.) were released into each bioassay container for ovipositing onto the straw, thereby exposing the F larvae to treated or untreated substrate. Sticky cards within the containers entrapped fungus gnats emerging from the substrate as an indicator of larval survivorship. Following three bioassays, fewer fungus gnats emerged from straw treated with compared to and the water control. Three additional bioassays using also demonstrated that fewer fungus gnats emerged from straw treated with compared to and the untreated control. was generally ineffective. Monitoring substrate weight in the bioassay containers over time indicated that and did not impede colonization by . Incorporating into straw substrate is a promising approach for managing fungus gnats infesting spp.