Integrated Control of Insect Pests in Commercial Mushroom Production

The control of sciarids and phorids, two major pests of the cultivated mushroom was studied to provide elements of an integrated pest management strategy in a commercial environment. Use of light- trapping to control sciarids and phorids within mushroom production houses was examined. Both sciarids and phorids were attracted to relatively low light emissions from sources of differing wavelengths. Predatory mites and entomopathogenic nematodes controlled sciarids and phorids in compost and casing substrates. In studies combining biological and chemical control, application of entomopathogenic nematodes and diflubenzuron provided maximum control of sciarid emergence. However, owing to better dispersal within compost and casing,and ability to attack larvae of differing ages,independent application of predatory mites provided more comprehensive control of sciarids and phorids,than other biological agents studied.