The Harm and Control Methods of Neurospora in Shiitake Mushrooms

In the early growth stage, Neurospora appears fuzzy, white or gray, and in the later growth stage it turns pink or yellow. When large numbers of conidia pile up into clumps, its appearance resembles the fruiting body of Hericium erinaceus (lion's mane mushroom). Neurospora spreads and causes damage mainly through conidia, and it is the most important contaminant fungus that occurs during hot seasons.

The hyphae of Neurospora are tough and vigorous, with the characteristic of rapid reproduction. Once it breaks out massively, it is catastrophic, and the consequence is that spawn, culture bags or culture blocks are discarded in batches.

To control Neurospora, the first step is to avoid production during hot seasons as much as possible. During the spawn-running stage of shiitake mushrooms, the temperature is best controlled below 20°C, as Neurospora grows slowly at this temperature, which can reduce contamination. A humid spawn-running site is conducive to the occurrence of Neurospora, so controlling the humidity of the spawn-running site can effectively prevent Neurospora from occurring. For chemical control of Neurospora, refer to the control methods for Trichoderma. During the production of culture bags, if Neurospora is found, drip diesel oil onto the conidial clumps to prevent its spread. If culture bags are affected in the later stage of spawn running, generally do not discard them hastily. The affected culture bags can be buried in soil with poor aeration at a depth of 30 cm to 40 cm. After 10 to 20 days of anaerobic treatment, the disease can be effectively reduced, and the culture bags can still produce mushrooms.