Taiwan Develops LED Pest Control for Mushroom Production

Taiwan’s Agricultural Research Institute (ARI) has developed a smart LED pest control system designed for pest infestations in mushroom production. Mushrooms generate more than NT$12.2 billion in annual production output, accounting for roughly one-sixth of Taiwan’s total vegetable production. Among the heavy pest damage, most originated from fungus gnats, which attack mushroom bodies and mycelium, reduce yields and quality, and introduce mites and pathogens into growing facilities.

ARI’s newly developed LED pest control technology offers a non-chemical solution that reduces pest populations while improving energy efficiency and crop outcomes. The system has been granted a patent and integrates three core functions. The innovation adopts wavelength emission catering to the range most preferred by insects. The product is engineered with an insect-trapping mesh to prevent captured pests from escaping, along with built-in sensors that measure changes in insect mass and transmit real-time data via phone or online platforms, enabling remote monitoring and data-driven management.

To further enhance performance, ARI partnered with the Industrial Technology Research Institute (ITRI) to integrate the LED system with a built-in fan to create an integrated pest control unit for mushroom houses. Comparative trials showed the new model achieved 1.7 to 3.5 times higher capture rates than traditional insect lamps commonly used in mushroom farms. When combined with environmental management practices, the system can reduce energy consumption by approximately 15 percent, lower labor requirements, and deliver more stable quality.