Mushroom Phorid Flies-A Review

Diptera are among the most serious arthropod pests affecting mushroom crops. Phorid flies, especially Megaselia halterata, have traditionally been globally considered as a minor pest, although they are a very important problem on Spanish mushroom farms. The concerns with respect to the phorid fly populations have recently increased, notably jumping from being a minor to major pest in India, UK and the USA, where yield losses ranging between 10% and 40% were reported. This review updates and summarizes the available literature regarding mushroom phorid populations, stressing the natural distribution of phorids and their seasonal distribution, their biology within the growing substrates and the initial sources of infestation on mushroom farms. Moreover, the review also highlights the scarce available tools for their control and the current alternatives to chemical products.

Automated summary

The Diptera are considered one of the most serious arthropod pests affecting mushroom crops, with the Phorid flies, especially Megaselia halterata, being a significant problem on Spanish mushroom farms. Concerns regarding Phorid fly populations have recently increased in countries such as India, the UK, and the USA, where they have transitioned from minor to major pests with reported yield losses ranging from 10% to 40%. Available literature on Phorid populations highlights their natural and seasonal distribution, biology within growing substrates, initial sources of infestation on mushroom farms, as well as the limited control tools and alternative methods to chemical products.