Biocontrol and behavior- developing novel methods to control mushroom flies on controlled environment mushroom farms

Wednesday, November 12, 2025

1:55 PM - 2:15 PM Pacific

Location: Oregon Convention Center, Portland Ballroom 252, OCC

Presenting Author(s)

Michael Wolfin

Assistant Research Professor
Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania

Co-Author(s)

MB

Malachi Brought

Pennsylvania State University
University Park, Pennsylvania
AE

Afure Ejomah

Graduate Student
Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania
Luke Reynolds

PhD Student
Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania
FD

Fatima Diarra

The Pennsylvania State University
State College, Pennsylvania
EM

Eliudes Marcano

University of Puerto Rico

The mushroom phorid fly, Megaselia halterata, is a major pest of mushrooms worldwide. Larvae feed on mushroom mycelia and adults transmit fungal pathogens that cause disease, reducing yields by up to 40% during peak season. Management of M. halterata is difficult due to pesticide restrictions and exclusion challenges, hence the need for novel integrated pest management methods. M. halterata infestations also plague local communities in the areas surrounding mushroom farms. We developed and tested novel control methods on mushroom farms to control mushroom fly populations. Our methods consisted of attract and kill stations with newly approved Long Lasting Insecticide Netting, biological control agents (predatory mites and
entomopathogenic nematodes), and insecticidal soaps. Laboratory studies on these tools revealed their potential for controlling mushroom flies. We report here the laboratory and field studies that tested the ability of these tools to control mushroom flies on mushroom farms. These novel and sustainable methods reduced mushroom fly populations on mushroom farms leading to reduced disease on farms and increased mushroom yield and quality.