Mushroom production is a significant component of the horticultural industry. During 2003, the estimated output value of global mushroom production exceeded $7 billion, at world market price (Anon., 2004).

Total European production comprises 3.5 – 4 million tonnes of compost per annum with a value of 450 million Euros. Total annual production of mushrooms in the EU is ca 900,000 tonnes with a farm gate value of ca 3000 million Euros per annum.

Agaricus bisporus (Lange) is the most commonly cultivated edible fungus accounting for approximately 32% of world production (Chang, 1999).

A diversity of mushroom cultivation systems has been developed. This diversity is primarily influenced by geographic and socio-economic factors in the different regions in which mushrooms are produced (Gaze, 1985).

Despite differences in the housing and containers used for cultivation, the principal methods associated with crop production, management, and protection in growing systems are fundamentally similar and comprise a number of discrete phases.

discrete phases.

In the United Kingdom it was estimated that insect pest control, particularly targeted at two Dipteran families, Sciaridae and Phoridae, accounted for 2% of the total farmgate value of the crop (White, 1995). Despite this expenditure, the same author estimated that a further 4% of the yield was lost to insect pests.

Sciaridae     Phoridae