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Mushroom host influence on Lycoriella mali (Diptera: Sciaridae) life cycle

L O'Connor1, C B Keil

  • 1Department of Entomology and Wildlife Ecology, University of Delaware, Newark, Delaware 19716, USA.

Journal of Economic Entomology
|May 14, 2005
PubMed

Insights

Mushroom fly (Lycoriella mali) weight and reproduction vary by mushroom host. Hybrid Agaricus bisporus strains are most favorable, while wild strains are least favorable for L. mali development.

Area of Science:

  • Entomology
  • Mycology
  • Agricultural Science

Background:

  • Lycoriella mali (Diptera: Sciaridae) is a common pest in mushroom cultivation.
  • Variations in adult L. mali size and emergence time were observed across different commercial mushroom strains.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To investigate the impact of various mushroom hosts on the development, weight, and reproduction of Lycoriella mali.
  • To identify the most and least favorable mushroom hosts for L. mali.

Main Methods:

  • Adult L. mali flies were collected from Portabella mushroom houses.
  • Flies were reared on different strains and species of Agaricus and Pleurotus mushrooms for multiple generations.
  • Emergent female flies were weighed, mated, and their egg production was recorded.

Main Results:

  • Adult L. mali from Portabella mushroom houses were heavier than those from oyster mushroom houses, and lightest from shiitake.
  • Female fly weight positively correlated with the number of eggs laid.
  • The hybrid strain of Agaricus bisporus was the most favorable host, supporting optimal development, while the wild strain of A. bisporus was the least favorable.

Conclusions:

  • Mushroom host type significantly influences the developmental time, survivorship, weight, and reproductive success of Lycoriella mali.
  • Understanding host-pest interactions is crucial for managing L. mali infestations in mushroom cultivation.

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