Bradysia Sciarid Flies
Scientific group or name: Bradysia species
Overview
Bradysia is the principal sciarid-fly genus associated with horticultural growing media.
Host plants
Propagation crops, pot plants, mushrooms and moist organic growing media.
Identification
Adults are small dark flies with long legs and antennae. Larvae are translucent with a shiny black head.
Damage and symptoms
Larvae graze fine roots and soft tissue and may contribute to the movement of root pathogens.
Lifecycle and favourable conditions
Wet media, algae and decomposing organic matter favour breeding.
Monitoring
Use yellow sticky traps for adults and media-surface baits for larvae.
Management
Correct irrigation, improve hygiene, remove algae and treat the whole breeding area rather than isolated symptoms.
Biological control and natural enemies
Steinernema feltiae, Stratiolaelaps scimitus and Atheta coriaria can be combined in suitable programmes.
Biological control should be selected only after the pest has been identified and the crop, temperature, growing environment and pest pressure have been considered.
Related BioWiki pages
This page provides general integrated pest-management information. Identification and control decisions should be confirmed for the crop and local situation.