What are the key technical points for the prevention and control of mushroom nematode disease?

Mushrooms are widely cultivated in China and are also a major source of economic income for some regions. According to relevant information, most of the poor harvests during mushroom cultivation are caused by nematode damage, so the prevention and control of mushroom nematode disease is very important. Let us take a look below at the introduction to the key technical points for the prevention and control of mushroom nematode disease.

I. Symptoms of mushroom nematode disease

Nematodes are a type of pest that likes to live in environments with suitable temperatures and relatively high humidity, and their reproductive capacity is strongest especially in a humid environment at 18°C. In hot weather and humid environments, the mortality rate of nematodes is relatively high. Nematodes are a pest that moves in groups; if you shine a light on them, you can also see white thread-like flocculent matter moving on the casing soil or crawling in the gaps of the soil. These white thread-shaped things are formed by a large group of nematodes coiled together.

If mushrooms are attacked by nematodes, the compost will develop a black color or a rather foul odor. A large portion of the mycelium in the casing layer of the mushroom bed or on the surface of the substrate in contact with soil particles will disappear, showing blackening and a foul odor, and dead mushrooms are also common on the bed surface. As the dead mushrooms spread, the mushroom caps will also have a foul odor.

II. Prevention and control techniques for mushroom nematode disease

1. Pre-production prevention and control is the main measure. It should start with improving the environment around the mushroom shed and do the work of early prevention. Clean up the garbage, weeds, and so on around the mushroom shed, then make drainage ditches well to create favorable conditions for mushroom growth. This work must be maintained not only before planting mushrooms but throughout the entire process, so as to effectively control the occurrence of nematodes and other pests and diseases.

2. During the mycelium growth period in the mushroom shed, ventilation should be strengthened and humidity and temperature should be well controlled, which can reduce the incidence of pests and diseases. The floor of the mushroom shed should also be disinfected regularly; quicklime can be used, and the specific amount should be determined according to the area. Usually, pay more attention to observing the mushroom house to see whether any peculiar smell is coming out, and promptly investigate possible pests and diseases. This is because if nematodes are discovered relatively early, they can be controlled with professional pesticides. The outside of the mushroom shed should also be disinfected with quicklime, and after controlling the pests, the casing work should be done well.

3. If nematodes have already attacked the bed frames, different methods should be used to do the prevention and control work well. Usually pay attention to ventilation and air exchange in the mushroom shed, and when using pesticides, pay attention to the safety of personnel to avoid poisoning. Usually, do not let other outsiders enter the mushroom shed, so as to reduce the chance of infection.

4. Waste material from the mushroom shed should be handled promptly. After the spring mushroom season ends, the material should be taken out immediately and placed relatively far away from the mushroom shed. The waste material must be treated with chemicals before it can be fermented and returned to the field, so as not to affect the next round of mushroom cultivation work.