Biology and morphometrics of Bradysia tritici (Coq.) (Diptera, Sciaridae) on milky mushroom in Navasari, Gujarat, India

Abstract

Biology and morphometrics of Bradysia tritici (Coq.), a major pest of milky mushroom (Calocybe indica P&C), were studied. Adult longevity of male and female was 4.75±1.64 and 6.10±0.91 days, respectively. The female laid an average of 40.45±5.21 eggs in her life period. The eggs were singly laid in clusters of 2 to 3 and hatched in 2.50±0.51days and the viability of eggs were 83.26±5.88 per cent. The larval stage completed in 11.10±1.07 days. The pre-pupal, pupal stages and total life cycle of male and female lasted for 1.60, 2.70.47.0 and 20.15 and 21.50 days, respectively.