Laboratory rearing, biology and chemical control of the mushroom sciarid Lycoriella auripila (Diptera: Lycoriidae)

The mushroom sciarid was found to develop on a plant-derived diet of oat or soya meal. Details of simple rearing techniques and insecticidal assays of treated casing are given. In laboratory tests using ten chemicals, chlorfenvinphos and pirimiphosethyl showed persistent activity against larvae when used at 15 ppm and are suggested as suitable for incorporation in peat-chalk casing mixtures to give protection throughout cropping. The low figures obtained for phytotoxicity and residues in the crop suggest this technique would be acceptable in commerce. Diazinon remained active in casing for only a short time.