Fungus
CONTROL FUNGUS GNATS WITH NEMATODES
The sciarid flie (Bradysia sp., Lycoriella sp.), also known as fungus gnat, belongs to the family Sciaridae and is a common pest in flower and herb pots on the home windowsill e.g. in basil, parsley or chives.
Sciarid flies are very small black gnats, only about 3 mm in size. They are easily recognized by their two long wings and sluggish, lurching flight. Their larvae are about 5 mm long, legless, slender, glassy translucent with a dark head.
Females fungus gnats lay 50 - 300 eggs in moist soil. At temperatures of 21 °C, development from egg to larva and pupa to adult takes about 28 days. Fungus gnats do not prefer specific plants, but prefer a moist nutrient-rich environment. When they appear in flocks, they can become very annoying just by their presence, even if they do not cause significant damage. They fly up from pots when watering. Indoors, fungus gnats are active all year round.
Fungus gnat larva in the soil
DAMAGE CAUSED BY FUNGUS GNATS
Adult flies are very annoying due to their large numbers, but they do not cause any damage to plants themselves. The damage is caused exclusively by the larvae. They infest plants in greenhouses, conservatories, on terraces, balconies as well es room plants and herb pots. They bore into the roots and stems of seedlings, cuttings and young plants. The consequences are poor growth, wilted leaves and death of the plant.
Typical signs of reduced nutrient intake due to fungus gnat infestation
NEMATODES AGAINST FUNGUS GNATS
The nematode species Steinernema feltiae is a natural enemy of fungus gnat larvae and is able to combat them in an effecitve and completely natural way. The larvae of the fungus gnat can be controlled all year round as long as the soil temperature is at least 8°C. The nematodes are mixed with water and simply poured into the soil of the affected plants. Our product nemaplus® contains SF-nematodes and can be ordered directly in our online shop.
Nematodes are the easy solution against fungus gnats in room plants
