How to prevent and control Aspergillus disease in reishi mushrooms? Detailed explanation of prevention and control methods

Aspergillus disease in reishi mushrooms is the most common disease in the reishi cultivation process, caused by Aspergillus fungi. Aspergillus fungi belong to the genus Aspergillus, family Moniliaceae, order Moniliales, class Hyphomycetes, subdivision Deuteromycotina. There are many species, and the more commonly damaging ones are Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger. Let us take a look at the prevention and control methods for Aspergillus disease in reishi mushrooms below!

Symptoms of damage from Aspergillus disease in reishi mushrooms

After the reishi cultivation substrate is contaminated by Aspergillus flavus, the colonies appear yellow to yellow-green, while Aspergillus niger appears black. They grow and spread very quickly, absorbing nutrients and moisture. The aflatoxin secreted by Aspergillus flavus is a very strong carcinogenic substance, and Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus fumigatus produce high concentrations of spores that, when inhaled into the lungs, can easily cause aspergillosis, also called “mushroom worker's lung”.

Occurrence patterns of Aspergillus disease in reishi mushrooms

1. Transmission route: Aspergillus is widely present in soil, air and decaying organic matter, and its conidia spread through airflow.

2. Conditions for occurrence: Aspergillus mainly uses starch and also has the ability to decompose cellulose. Bamboo-made cultivation bed frames, under conditions of high humidity and poor ventilation, are very prone to producing it. The pH suitable for Aspergillus growth is near neutral. It has a relatively wide temperature adaptation range. The optimum growth temperature for Aspergillus niger is 20-30°C, and for Aspergillus flavus is 25-30°C. It can survive for 30 minutes at 45°C within the compost pile.

Prevention and control methods for Aspergillus disease in reishi mushrooms

1. Do a good job of sanitation in the culture room, cultivation site, etc., and eliminate sources of contamination.

2. Strictly sterilize the culture medium. Sawdust, straw materials, etc. need to be sun-dried before composting or sterilization.

3. When mixing the substrate, adding 1×l0-6 of Shibagong or 5×10-6 carbendazim can inhibit the growth of Aspergillus flavus and Aspergillus niger.