Fungus gnats

Steinernema feltiae A beneficial nematode that attacks the larvae of soil and aboveground insect pests such as fungus gnat, various flies, flea beetles, and some plant parasitic nematodes. 

Recently, it has been demonstrated that ecdysteroid accumulation in spinach is inducible by mechanical [50] or insect [51] damage to roots. Evidence was further provided for the involvement of jasmonates in the induction of de novo ecdysteroid synthesis. Also, short- and long-term labelling of 20E from [2-14C]mevalonic acid in spinach demonstrate that ecdysteroids are metabolically stable in this species, which fits much better with a role in plant defence, rather than a phytohormonal role [52], Most recently, it has been demonstrated that root predation by the fungus gnat Bradysia impatiens results in elevated ecdysteroid levels in spinach and a significant reduction in larval establishment of B. impatiens [53],... 

Methoprene, a juvenile hormone analog, is structurally similar to insect juvenile hormones (Figure 4.11) such as juvenile hormone III. It is used for control of mosquitoes (floodwater mosquitoes, 2-4 instars), cigarette beetles, horn flies, fungus gnats (on mushroom), fleas, etc. The oral LD50 for methoprene in rats is >34,600 mg/kg. 

Fungus-feeders Fungus gnat larvae, many... 

While aphid midges resemble fungus gnats, they are actually excellent predators of more than 60 species of aphids. 

In the greenhouse, use pots of sprouted wheat to lure fungus gnats from your plants, then hot compost the soil and wheat when the females have laid their eggs in it. Start a new crop of wheat every 2 weeks. 

B.t. var. ismelensis (BTI) attacks larvae of blackflies, fungus gnats, and mosquitoes when applied to standing water where these pests reproduce. B.t. var. san diego (BTSD) controls certain leaf-feeding beetles, including black vine weevils, boll weevils, Colorado potato beetles, and elm leaf beetles. 

How to Use To control greenhouse fungus gnats with methoprene products, follow label instructions and spray thoroughly to get good coverage on all leaf surfaces. The mosquito control Altosid is available as a slow-relcase liquid and in briquette form floating in wet areas where mosquitoes arc likely to breed. 

Okuyama, Y., PeUmyr, O. and Kato, M. (2008). Parallel floral adaptations to pollination by fungus gnats within the genus Mitella (Saxifragaceae). Molecular Phylogenetics and Evolution, 46, 560-575. 

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