Use Beneficial Entomopathogenic Nematodes for the control of Chive Gnats
Seven beneficial entomopathogenic nematodes including Heterorhabditis bacteriophora, H. indica, H. megidis, Steinernema ceratophorum, S. feltiae, S. hebeiense and S. litorale have been tested against Chive gnat, Bradysia odoriphaga. This insect pest is one of the most damaging pests of Chinese chive, Allium tuberosum. The Chinese chive is generally used as flavoring gradient in making many vegetables. According Ma et al (2013), all the above stated seven species of beneficial nematodes were effective in causing over 78% mortality of chive gnats when they were applied at the rate of 75 infective juveniles per square centimeter in the pots. Under field conditions, Steinernema feltiae nematodes were comparatively more effective in killing chive gnats than the other six nematode species.
For more information on beneficial nematodes and their interaction on chive gnats read following papers.
Ma, J., Chen, S.L., Moens, M., Han, R.C. and De Clercq, P. 2013. Efficacy of entomopathogenic nematodes (Rhabditida: Steinernematidae and Heterorhabditidae) against the chive gnat, Bradysia odoriphaga. Journal of Pest Science 86: 551-561.
Sun, R. H., A. H. Li, R. C. Han, L. Cao, and X. L. Liu. 2004. Factors affecting the control of Bradysia odoriphaga with entomopathogenic nematode Heterorhabditis indica LN2. Natural Enemies of Insects 26:150–155.