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Section Symposium

Plant-Insect Ecosystems

Protected Culture IPM: Controlling Pests from Within

An overview of management tactics for fungus gnat (Lycoriella spp.) control on oyster mushroom (Pleurotus spp.) farms

Wednesday, November 8, 2023
2:50 PM – 3:05 PM ET
Location: Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Chesapeake B-C
In-Person
Fungus gnats (Lycoriella spp.) are a major pest of mushroom production. Oyster mushrooms (Pleurotus spp.) are a nutritious gourmet mushroom and second most widely produced mushroom worldwide. At present, pest management strategies on oyster mushroom farms have been informed by research done in button mushroom systems (Agaricus spp). However, a recent study showed pest management strategies success varies when moved from button mushroom systems to oyster mushrooms. Previous data suggests larval survivorship differs by species of oyster mushroom complicating the implementation of IPM programs. On this project we evaluated the effectiveness of management strategies to control fungus gnats on oyster mushroom farms. We focused on four aspects. First, fungus gnat survival on different oyster mushroom varieties was evaluated. Second, we determined effective organic pesticide options for fungus gnat control. Third, we determined regional pest load differences through collaboration with a network of cooperative growers. And fourth, we determined genetic differences between populations of fungus gnats on the grower’s farms. While more research is needed, the answers to these questions give us a blueprint to better advise oyster mushroom growers on the development of IPM programs. These data serve as an excellent baseline for future research to build from.