Fumigant toxicities of essential oils and monoterpenes against Lycoriella mali adults

Toxicity of various essential oils and their volatile components against the mushroom sciarid, Lycoriella mali was determined. The most potent fumigant toxicity was found in essential oil from thyme followed by the oils of sage, eucalyptus, and clove bud. α-Pinene was the most toxic fumigant compound found in thyme essential oil ( LD 50 = 9.85 μ l / l air) followed by β-pinene ( LD 50 = 11.85 μ l / l air) and linalool ( LD 50 = 21.15 μ l / l air). The mixture of α- and β-pinene exhibited stronger fumigant toxicity than α- or β-pinene itself against the mushroom fly adults. Therefore, thyme essential oil, α- and β-pinene could be potent fumigants to control mushroom flies during mushroom cultivation.