The effect of sciarid larvae (Lycoriella auripila) on cropping of the cultivated mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

Significant linear relationships between the mean number of sciarid, Lycoriella auripila, larvae/125 g-sample of casing and yield, numbers of mushrooms and weight/mushroom were demonstrated at all stages of a mushroom crop. Negative relationships were obtained for yield throughout the cropping period. There was no injury threshold for this pest, although an economic threshold of one larva/sample was deduced. Loss in yield was mostly due to the destruction of mushroom primordia and presumed interruption of nutrient supply to the developing sporophores. Numbers of mushrooms were severely reduced in the first, second and third flushes, more so than yield, although a large increase in numbers was demonstrated in the fourth flush. The size of mushroom was inversely related to numbers, although the increases in size in the first three flushes were insufficient to compensate for the reduction in numbers. A reduction in size was evident in the fourth flush.