Fungus Gnat
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Fungus Gnat .jpeg) Fungus Gnat are also know as mushroom fly and sciarid fly. Adult flies are dark brown, midge like up to 1/8in (3mm) long, are found on the surface of moist potting media, running quickly and vibrating their wings rapidly. They fly up when disturbed. Fungus gnat eggs are laid in the medium. The larvae is transparent and grows up to 1/2in(1cm) long with shiny black or brown heads. They feed on plant roots. The whole life cycle can be completed in four weeks at a temperature of 68F(20c). Breeding can continue year round in suitable temperatures. Susceptible Plants- Plants under cover, mushrooms, seedlings, cuttings, and young plants are at most risk of fungus gnat infestation.. Life Cycle- Adults fungus gnats live about 7 to 10 days and deposit eggs on the moist soil surface or in soil cracks. Females lay up to 100 to 300 eggs in batches of 2 to 30 each in decaying organic matter. Eggs hatch in 4 to 6 days; larvae feed for 12 to 14 days. The pupal stage is about 5 to 6 days. There are many overlapping generations throughout the year.
Symptoms- Seedlings and young plants may collapse and die. Mature plants will grow poorly where infestation is high. Plants in growing media based on high levels of coir, peat, or other types of organic matter are more prone to attack from fungus gnat.
Prevention and Control- Always water from below and keep watering to a minimum without allowing plants to dry out. Pot up plants as necessary, using a loam-based growing medium with a 1/2in(1cm) of sand or grit to discourage infestation of the gnats. Aphid-Whitefly Sticky Traps and insectivorous plants such as Mexican butterwort will trap flying adults. Check new plants for the presence of fungus gnats before introducing to the greenhouse or house. Remove severely infested plants. Biological Controls- Use the predatory mite at temperatures above 52F(11C). NemAttack - Beneficial Nematodes - S. Feltiae Insecticidal Controls- Monterey Garden Insect Spray an ORMI listed product or PyGanic® Crop Protection EC 1.4 II an OMRI listed botanical pesticide derived from chrysanthemums.
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