fbpx
Search

Global mushroom news and trainings worldwide

Global mushroom news and trainings

Newest work on the control of Phorid flies (Megaselia halterata) shows significantly better control with nematodes from e-nema GmbH 

UMDIS PARTNERS

This post is also available in: English Russian

Newest work on the control of Phorid flies (Megaselia halterata) shows significantly better control with nematodes from e-nema GmbH 

Phorid larvae are a dangerous pest in phase III mushroom cultivation, and they are hard to control. No management can lead to a total loss of the 3rd flush. In addition, quality losses, distressed pickers, and fed-up neighboring communities are causing extra work you like to avoid. The flies get drifted into the houses of neighbors and like to accumulate under ceilings in e.g. warm bathrooms. Not a real pleasure when lying in the bathtub.  

That is was stated in the newest research by Mushroom Fly Research Team at Penn State (USA) provided by Michael Wolfin and Malachi Brought.

The larvae are obligated mycelial feeders therefore, the adult flies are not attracted to oviposit in the compost until after spawning. The up to 6 mm long larvae feed on the growing mushroom mycelium but rarely on the fruiting body itself. They can be distinguished from sciarid larvae by the absence of the black head, and they develop more rapidly into pupa.  

The adult fly can be distinguished from the sciarid fly by the short antennae and by its rapid, jerky, running movement. Adult phorids act as a vector for dry bubble. 75 flies per m2 may already cause an outbreak of the disease. Phorid flies are unable to fly when the temperature falls below 12°C (54°F). In the past they have rarely infected mushroom houses after late fall. As there are now more and more warm days into November, this period is prolonged. The start of the nematode application should be in the early summer. If the fly population is fully built up it is too late. 

Further improving the already effective application of nemycel® phorid fly 

For around two years nemycel® phorid fly is used in phase III mushroom cultivation in the U.S. and Europe with effective control. After accessing the data and further research, we recommend the following change in the application: 

Old application recommendation: 

Day 2 Day 18 
1.6mio/ m2 1.6 mio/m2 

The Phorid fly has a short larvae stage which is hard to target. The larvae are only susceptible 4-5 days (at 25°C / 77°F) for nematode infestation. The nematodes last for 5 days in the compost. Therefore, a change to multiple applications with one bigger hit at casing and then less dosages later control significantly more larvae. The larvae stop feeding fast after infestation and die after 2-3 days. The nematodes multiply inside the larvae cadaver and get out to prey on more larvae after 7-10 days. 

New application recommendation:  

At casing – apply on compost Day 3-4 after casing Day 9-10 after casing Day 15-18 after casing, before 1st flush After first flush 
1.6mio/ m2 0.8 mio/m2 0.8 mio/m2 0.8 mio/m2 0.8 mio/m2 

Control with nematodes, in combination with the farms IPM can lead to 25% more harvest, more A grade mushrooms, better working conditions for the pickers and a good relationship to your neighboring communities. Multiple applications improve efficiency significantly. 

nemycel® phorid fly is a fully organic insecticide without micro plastics and made in Germany. No resistances are known of. The product is harmless for humans, pets, water, and the environment. No protective clothing is needed, and your workers don’t need to undergo security training. 

More information about nematode application in mushroom cultivation can be found on:

https://www.e-nema.de/en/nematodes/professionals/application-areas/mushrooms/

All pictures and videos courtesy of M. Wolfin & M. Brought | Penn State University

Research on mushroom farms is still ongoing to find the most effective application rates and schedules.

————————————————————————————–  

To order and try

Ulrich Tiemann

e-nema GmbH

T +49 4307 8295 154

M +49 160 5840 127

u.tiemann@e-nema.de

More info is on e-nema website https://www.e-nema.de/en/nematodes/professionals/application-areas/mushrooms/

Our social media
Our advertisers
Publications

Hungary’s mushroom consumption up by 60%- József Rácz, Korona Mushroom Union

After a recent mushroom harvesting course, UMDIS visited Fruit Logistica, where we met József Rácz from Korona Mushroom Union, one of Hungary’s leading mushroom producers. Founded in 1990 by Rácz’s father, Korona has grown into a successful family-run business. “Together

Italian mushroom growers are facing compost challenges amid market competition- Giorgio Grespan, Fungi De Treviso

UMDIS Mushroom Agency reached out to to Giorgio Grespan the vice president of Fungi De Treviso, a big mushroom cooperative in Italy. He shared their thoughts on the problems Italian mushroom growers are dealing with. One big challenge is competing

We just concluded our Mushroom harvesting and organization Course

We just concluded our three-day Mushroom Harvesting and Organization Course at Fungus S.C. Bracia Marciniak Farm in Wioska, Poland on 3–5th February. The farm, which produces over 450 tonnes of mushrooms per month, offered a great learning environment with hundreds

Spain’s mushroom industry  facing tough times

Mushroom cultivation in Spain is in a critical situation. According to FleshPlaza, the industry is struggling with rising costs and challenging weather conditions. The price of straw has shot up, and the spread of pests and diseases has become a

100 tons of champignon weekly from Philippsburg

A large mushroom farm recently opened in Philippsburg, Baden-Württemberg, Germany, as reported by Gombaforum. Located at the outskirts of the town, the newly built industrial halls have been cultivating and harvesting champignon mushrooms for about two weeks. The farm is

Importance of a compost production technologist – Insights from Andrey Repin

Andrey Repin Composting specialist, consultant. When compost yard’s operations appear stable and the quality remains consistent, it’s easy to think everything will continue running smoothly without a compost production technologist. But is this really a safe assumption? The first and

Search for publications