Sciarid fly control in peat free growing

In this article you'll find everything you need to know about controlling sciarid fly within peat-free growing media, along with the biological controls that can be introduced to reduce existing sciarid fly populations.

With the increased use of peat-free growing media we have experienced some challenges associated with its use is an increased susceptibility to pests, particularly Sciarid flies. In the midst of this challenge, one solution has proven to be both effective and harmonious with the sustainable ethos of peat-free growing—the use of biological controls, and in particular, the employment of Atheta beetles. 

The Sciarid fly, also known as the fungus gnat, thrives in the moist, rich environment provided by peat-free growing media. Their larvae feed on organic matter and plant roots, causing significant harm to plant health. The need to control these pests is paramount for successful growing in peat-free media. 

It’s important to apply biologicals on a regular basis to keep sciarid populations down. There are three different biological controls that you can introduce specifically for Sciarid populations. They are: 

• Atheta beetle
• Predatory mite
• Nematodes 

Atheta beetle 
A group of rove beetles naturally inclined to prey on Sciarid fly larvae and eggs, making them an efficient and ecologically sound solution for controlling Sciarid fly populations in peat-free growing media. These tiny beetles and their larvae voraciously hunt down the eggs and larvae of the Sciarid flies, thereby reducing their population and the associated damage. 

Breeding Atheta beetles for pest control 
Breeding Atheta beetles as a form of biological control aligns perfectly with the sustainability offered by peat-free media. Their breeding process is relatively straightforward, with just a few important considerations: 

Environment: Atheta beetles favour the same cool, damp environment as Sciarid flies, making them well-suited to indoor and greenhouse conditions. 

Food: In the absence of Sciarid larvae or eggs, Atheta beetles can be sustained on a diet of yeast or other protein-rich sources. 

Breeding medium: A breeding medium consisting of damp peat or compost offers a favourable habitat for Atheta beetles, providing a protected space for the beetles to lay their eggs and for the larvae to grow. 

Lifespan and breeding cycle: The lifecycle of Atheta beetles, from egg to adult, is approximately three to four weeks. Adult beetles can live for several months, laying hundreds of eggs in their lifespan, making them a self-sustaining pest control solution. 

The advent of biological controls has provided a sustainable solution to pest management, with the Atheta beetle serving as a prime example of this in the fight against Sciarid flies. By understanding the requirements and lifecycle of these helpful beetles, growers can breed their own armies of Atheta beetles, providing a safe and effective way to keep Sciarid fly populations under control while promoting healthier and more resilient plant growth. 

FIND ATHETA BEETLE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL PRODUCTS HERE


Predatory soil-dwelling mites
Hypoaspis miles, also known as Stratiolaelaps scimitus, is a species of soil-dwelling predatory mite. It belongs to the family Melicharidae and is widely used in horticulture as a biological control agent for managing various pest populations, particularly soil-dwelling insects and mites. 

The mites are small, barely visible to the naked eye, and have a light brown to tan colour. They are beneficial because they feed on a variety of harmful pests, including fungus gnats, thrips larvae, root aphids, and other small insects and mites that reside in the soil. These predatory mites are particularly effective in controlling pests in the early stages of their life cycle. 

When introduced into the soil or growing media of plants, the mites actively search for prey, consuming the pest larvae and eggs, thus helping to reduce their populations and prevent potential damage to crops. They are considered a safe and environmentally friendly alternative to chemical pesticides, making them a valuable tool in integrated pest management strategies.  

FIND HYPOASPIS MILES BIOLOGICAL CONTROL PRODUCTS HERE

Nematodes
This species of entomopathogenic (insect-parasitic) nematodes (Steinernema feltiae) are beneficial organisms that are widely used in agriculture and horticulture as a biological control agent to manage various soil-dwelling insect pests. 

Nematodes are microscopic, unsegmented roundworms that have a symbiotic relationship with specific bacteria called Xenorhabdus bovienii. The nematodes infect and kill their insect hosts by releasing the bacteria into the insect's body, which eventually leads to the death of the pest. Once the host insect dies, the nematodes reproduce inside the insect's carcass, and the next generation emerges to find new hosts. 

These nematodes are particularly effective against various soil-dwelling pests, including fungus gnats, shore flies, root aphids, and other insect larvae. Steinernema feltiae nematodes are well-suited for controlling pests in the larval stage. When using Steinernema feltiae as a biological control agent, they are typically applied to the soil or growing media where the target pests reside. The nematodes actively seek out and infect the pests, providing an eco-friendly alternative to chemical pesticides and helping to maintain a balanced ecosystem in horticultural settings. 

FIND STEINERNEMA FELTIAE BIOLOGICAL CONTROL PRODUCTS HERE

To find out more about biological controls and growing in peat-free please contact our Biological Control team on 01903 256857 or biosales@fargro.co.uk