Biological control of fungus gnats (Bradysia matogrossensis) in tobacco seedlings

Abstract

Tobacco production in Brazil is an essential source of income for many families, especially in the southern region. However, it is subject to attack by pests and diseases, such as the fungus gnats insect. To control this pest, the mite Stratiolaelaps scimitus is found in Brazilian soil, which has a predatory potential to fungus gnats. This study aimed to evaluate the use of S. scimitus as an insect control agent, compared to chemical control, in the production of tobacco seedlings in the floating system. The experiment was carried out on a farm in Crissiumal-RS, in a randomized block design, with four replications: T1= control, T2= chemical control based on Imidacloprid and Azadirachtin, and T3= S. scimitus. To analyze the control efficiency, adult insects were captured at different times, and the biological control did not differ from the chemical control. The biological treatment made it possible to reduce the use of chemical products. Concomitantly, questionnaires verified that producers are well accepting the new control model. Therefore, using S. scimitus could reduce the proliferation of fungus gnats in the production of tobacco seedlings in the floating system, but more studies need to be carried out for a better evaluation.