Insect larva identification

[greenguru]

Hopefully someone will be able to identify and help me erradicate these from my Cymbidium collection.
I was sent a dozen or so Cymbidium back bulbs this past spring. I inspected them and found nothing out of the ordinary wrong so I potted them up. They all were doing great until yesterday when I observed the base of a new growth was discolored. As I tugged on the leaves to get a better look, they popped right off. What was left is what you see in the pic of me holding the bulb. The interior of both the original back bulb and the new growth was infested with little white worms - also pictured in the attached pics. My question is, what are these and what can I do to erradicate them and also protect my other Cymbidiums from the same fate.

[Kelo]

To be honest with you I don't know whether that worm is the cause of the rot or if it is there because of it.

[Eyebabe]

Woah!
That is gross and I haven't the faintest idea what it is

I will be most interested in finding out.

[cricketerry]

I am of the opinion that the bulb rotted and then the maggot appeared in the decaying bulb.

[Ray]

Originally Posted by cricketerry

I am of the opinion that the bulb rotted and then the maggot appeared in the decaying bulb.

That would be my speculation, as well.

[RobS]

Pretty sure it's the larvea of some member of the Sciaridae - Wikipedia. They can damage plants especially seedlings and cutting or plants that are otherwise strugling but they are also known to spread other diseases and pests.

[greenguru]

Thanks RobS..any advice on how to combat them and keep them from spreading to my other plants? I Prefer asking other Cymbidium growers what methods and types of pesticides they use because they will know what will and what won't harm Cymbidium plants because of personal experience.

[dounoharm]

if it is actually eating the plant material, then a systemic of sorts would be the best approach....i am wondering also if the rot occured and then was made use of by the insect laying eggs.....i would treat it with a systemic regardless....and keep it dry for a bit....

[RobS]

There are some mites and nematodes that are sold to commercial growers for control of this pest. General insect sprays seem to work against the adults.