A)
Encounter
probability between biological control agent and Sciarid pests
A1)
The efficiency
of a biological control agent may be limited, because it does not penetrate to a substrate depth (compost,
casing) at which it may encounter the majority of its target host. Consequently, the depth distribution
of immature sciarids within the compost requires investigation. [
Possible solution]
A2)
Does
Hypoaspis spp., a predatory mite known to be effective against sciarids in
glasshouses, penetrate
deeper into the substrate (compost, casing) than
S. feltiae? [
Possible
solution]
B)
Economic
potential of the predatory mite Hypoaspis miles to suppress Sciaridae in mushroom cultures
B1)
What is the dose response function of
H. miles to suppress sciarids, i.e. how
many mites are required
to achieve a similar pest suppression to chemical insecticides? [
Possible solution]
B2)
How do mites perform compared to nematodes and insecticides, in an Irish bag system? What effects on
sciarid levels or crop yield will result? [
Possible solution]
B3)
Does the application
of the predatory mites (Hypoaspis spp.) in its carrier material have any negative
effects on quality
or quantity of the mushroom crop?
C) Biological control of Phoridae
C1)
Are predatory mites
(Hypoaspis spp.) effective against phoridae?
C2)
Are nematode
species, other
than S. feltiae, available, which are more effective against phorids?
C3)
Can
selective breeding of entomopathogenic nematodes lead to more effective strains against phorids?
D)
Interactions between predatory mites and entomopathogenic nematodes.
Are
there
any synergistic or antagonistic effects of predatory mites and entomopathogenic nematodes in suppressing
mushroom pests?
