Fungus gnats: Biological Control With Beneficial Nematodes. скачать в хорошем качестве

Fungus gnats: Biological Control With Beneficial Nematodes.

Hi everyone, welcome back to the BugsforGrowers YouTube channel! Today, we’re going to address a common problem that many greenhouse and houseplant growers face: fungus gnats (Bradysia species). Not only will we learn how fungus gnats cause damage to plants, but we’ll also discuss highly effective and eco-friendly solutions for their control—using beneficial nematodes and cultural practices. What exactly are fungus gnats? They are small, grayish- black colored, mosquito-like insect pests that are particularly common in indoors or greenhouses where humidity and moisture levels are very high. Fungus gnats are often mistaken for fruit flies, but their behavior and habitats are different. Unlike fruit flies, fungus gnats fly over the soil rather than on your fruit dish. While the fungus gnat adults can be a nuisance, their larvae pose a real threat to your plants. The larvae feed on organic matter in the soil, but they also damage plant crowns and roots in the process. This can lead to stunted growth, yellowing of leaves, and in severe cases, even plant death. Understanding their behavior can help you recognize an infestation early, so you can take action before the damage gets too severe. Knowing the life cycle of fungus gnats is crucial for understanding how to manage them. The life cycle has four stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. Adult females lay about 200 translucent eggs in moist soil or organic matter. Eggs hatch into transfferent larvae in 4 to 6 days. These larvae feed on organic matter and plant roots for about two weeks before they pupate. Then, within another week, new adult fungus gnats emerge from pupae, and the life cycle starts all over again. Breaking this cycle is key for controlling an infestation, which brings us to our solution: beneficial nematodes. So, why use beneficial nematodes? We should use them because they are natural parasites of many insect pests and serve as effective biological control agents for controlling fungus gnats in greenhouses. Also, they are safe to workers, humans, pets, plants, and the environment. When applied to the soil, the nematodes search for the fungus gnat larvae, enter their bodies through natural openings, and release symbiotic bacteria that kill larvae within 24 hours. How to use beneficial nematodes? The process is simple. First, purchase Steinernema feltiae nematodes specifically labeled for fungus gnat control from BugsforGrowers.com or similar online distributors. Next, mix these nematodes with water as directed on the package. For best results, apply 25,000 nematodes per square foot of soil surface areas infested with fungus gnats, using a watering can or sprayer for even distribution. Water the soil before and after application to keep it moist, as it helps the nematodes move through the soil, find the fungus gnat larvae, infect and eliminate them effectively. However, avoid water runoff to ensure the nematodes stay in the pots. Apply nematodes early in the morning or late in the evening to protect them from harmful UV light. While nematodes are highly effective, combining them with other methods can enhance your results. For example, reduce overwatering since fungus gnats thrive in damp soil. Therefore, allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry out between waterings, as this is where larvae live. Sticky traps can help catch adult gnats and stop their future generations. For more advice on biological control of pests and organic growing, check out our website bugsforgrowers.com or visit our YouTube channel @bugsforgrowers3499. If you found this video helpful, please don’t forget to like, comment, and subscribe Thanks for watching!