The spectral specific responses of Lycoriella ingenua and Megaselia halterata during mushroom cultivation

Abstract

SU MMARYThe study reported examines the spectral specific responses of adult insect pests of mushroom (Agaricus bisporus (Lange) Imbach) cultivation to light traps and the potential for use of light trapping as a pest management tool within commercial mushroom production. Lycoriella ingenua (Dufour) (Diptera: Sciaridae) and Megaselia halterata (Wood) (Diptera : Phoridae) were the principal insect pests at the experimental site. Adult L. ingenua and M. halterata were positively phototactic and relatively high numbers were attracted to relatively low light emissions from light trap sources of differing wavelengths. Yellow sticky traps at a height of 1 . 7 m collected more flies of both species than traps located at crop height (0 . 6 m). Adult female L. ingenua were more numerous than males in all trap types suggesting that they were more active fliers than male counterparts. Numbers of females recorded in light traps greatly exceeded those in yellow sticky traps, indicating greater photoresponsiveness. Light wavelengths between 300-650 nm attracted greater numbers of adult L. ingenua than wavelengths exceeding 700 nm. This species was present throughout the year but was most abundant between May and December. Adult M. halterata were less numerous than adult L. ingenua in all trap types and particularly on yellow sticky traps at crop level. The lower disparity between numbers of adult M. halterata on light traps and yellow sticky traps suggests that adults of this species are not as photosensitive as adult L. ingenua. The observed response of adult M. halterata to light sources of different wavelengths was variable within the range 300-> 700 nm. Adult M. halterata were most abundant between June and November.

Visual orientation of the black fungus gnat, Bradysia difformis, explored using LEDs

“…However, it should be taken into account that also beneficial insects can be sensitive to light traps, hence LED traps with or without additional UV LEDs should be tested for selectivity (Mellor et al., ). Moreover, UV LEDs can be an innovative tool for mass trapping of fungus gnats in dark conditions in mushroom cultivation (Ishitani et al., ; Jess & Bingham, ). It may also be considered to use UV fluorescent tubes with an optimized spectrum according to the wavelength screening reported here.…”

“…Mass trapping and monitoring fungus gnats in greenhouses involves yellow sticky traps (Cloyd, ) but also studies with visual traps equipped with narrow‐bandwidth light emitting diodes (LEDs) have been performed (Chen et al., ; Sonoda et al., ). Light traps emitting a broad wavelength spectrum with peaks in the UV‐violet range, or fluorescent black lamps emitting UV radiation and visible blue light, have been proven suitable tools for trapping sciarids in mushroom cultivation (Ishitani et al., ; Jess & Bingham, ). Light traps have also been used in mushroom cultivation to monitor flight activity of fungus gnats for the determination of pesticide application thresholds (Jess & Kilpatrick, ).…”

In search of the spectral composition of an effective light trap for the mushroom pest Lycoriella ingenua (Diptera: Sciaridae)

“…Their results indicated that certain cave-dweller sciarids were mostly attracted by blue-green wavelengths, although the studied species was not identified. Later Jess and Bingham 26 examined the responses of adult L. ingenua to different light source types. They stated that L. ingenua were positively phototactic even at low light levels, and the 300–650 nm spectral range attracted greater number of individuals than wavelengths above 700 nm.…”

Bioluminescence in the ghost fungus Omphalotus nidiformis does not attract potential spore dispersing insects

“…They compared catches with lights on and off, and found that significantly more insects were trapped with the lights on. It is also know that some fungivorous insects are positively phototactic to low emissions of light in the wavelength range of 300–650 nm (Jess & Bingham 2004), and although this might seem counterintuitive in the context of fitness, it is possible that a trade-off operates between basidiome damage and spore dispersal (cf. pollen consumption v .…”