Mushroom mycelium and compost substrates in relation to the survival of the larva of the sciarid Lycoriella auripila

SUMMARY The development of sciarids was reduced in old casing and in casing to which a commercial composting additive was added in large amounts. In laboratory tests, adding water, soya bean, cotton seed or oatmeal to finished mushroom composts reduced the mean development time of the larvae of Lycoriella auripila. Soya bean meal significantly increased the number of adult sciarids which matured. While the presence of mushroom mycelium in large quantities inhibited the development of sciarids, smaller amounts increased either the number of larvae maturing or their rate of development in different tests. Larvae were seen to feed on mycelium. The addition of sucrose solution either reduced or prolonged development time in different tests. Nitrogenous additives encouraged the growth of ‘weed moulds’. Both these and the number of sciarids which developed were reduced by adding a solution of calcium nitrate. The results suggested that more selective composts, favouring rapid mycelial colonization, would provide ‘cultural’ control of mushroom sciarids.