Fungi Carried by Adult Fungus Gnats (Diptera:Sciaridae) in Idaho Greenhouses
Eight species of fungi were isolated from external portions of adult fungus gnats (Bradysia sp.; Diptera: Sciaridae) adults within greenhouses at the USDA Forest Service Nursery in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho and the University of Idaho Research Nursery, Moscow. Fungus gnats were either collected from open water containers or standard yellow, sticky traps. The most common potentially pathogenic fungus isolated from adult gnats was Botrytis cinerea, an important foliar pathogen of several species of conifer seedlings. Three species of Phoma, another group of potential pathogens, were also isolated. The most common species was P. eupyrena, which is associated with several conifer seedling diseases. Fusarium, an important root pathogen of conifer seedlings, was represented by two species: F. proliferatum and F. sambucinum. All isolated fungi were carried externally on adult gnats. Characteristics and impact of fungus gnat infestations in greenhouses and control procedures are discussed.
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Author(s): USDA Forest Service