DEVELOPMENT OF EAVES TUBES AS A NEW PEST MANAGEMENT TACTIC FOR IPM OF MUSHROOM FLIES

  • Jenkins, Nina Ellen (PI)

Project: Research project

Project Details

Description

Pennsylvania produces over 63% of the total US mushroom crop and is currently facing significant issues with the mushroom phorid fly (Megaselia halterata). No chemical adulticides are currently approved for use in mushroom production, and growers have no method for bringing this pest under control. We will investigate the potential for implementation of novel 'eaves tubes' technology, initially developed for mosquito control, using insecticide impregnated eaves tubes, which contain insecticide treated electrostatic gauze, fitted to buildings to channel odor cues from inside a house. M. halterata behave very similarly to mosquitoes around mushroom houses. Growers already implement extensive exclusion strategies to try to reduce the influx of M. halterata from the external environment. We will screen suitable commercial pesticide formulations for efficacy against mushroom flies in combination with electrostatic gauze. In order to determine the best placement of eaves tubes technology we aim to identify the key points of entry and exit for M. halterata, and their movement patterns within houses throughout the crop cycle. Successful implementation of eaves tubes technology will result in an effective, affordable and environmentally sound IPM strategy and reduction in economic, environmental, and societal losses from mushroom pests.

StatusFinished
Effective start/end date9/1/178/31/19

Funding

  • National Institute of Food and Agriculture: $199,532.00

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