HDC research review (10): what attracts the flies?

摘要

Why do female sciarids and phorids lay their eggs where they do? If we knew, it could point to a way of controlling fly infestations. Laurienne Tibbles of HRI Wellesbourne has devised the techniques to provide the answers. Sciarids and phorids areimportant pests of mushroom cultivation. Their detrimental effects on yield and quality have fuelled much research into their biology and control. As a result, we know a great deal about their larvae, such as their distribution within compost and casing,and which of these substrates they prefer. However, we know far less about the behaviour of female flies and how they choose where to Jay their eggs. We know that these 'preferences' do differ between the two fly species. Sciarids are attracted to pasteurised compost and may be seen swarming around the air outlets of pasteurisation tunnels. In contrast, phorid flies are commonly found where mycelium is actively growing, such as during the spawn and case run. These differences are a reflection of the different needs of their larvae. Mushroom sciarid larvae feed on decaying plant material, whilst phorid larvae depend on mushroom mycelium for growth. Understanding any of the cues which trigger egg laying could be exploited to produce monitoring devices or traps for use in mushroom houses. Such devices could then be used to help prevent larval infestations of compost and casing.