Main Diseases of Edible Mushrooms and Their Control Measures

Edible mushrooms are a type of vegetable we often eat in our daily lives. They are very nutritious and deeply loved by people. During the cultivation of edible mushrooms, some common diseases harm their normal growth. This article will introduce the control measures for the main diseases of edible mushrooms.

Trichoderma. Trichoderma, commonly known as green mold, can harm almost all edible mushrooms. Its harm to edible mushrooms is shown as follows: (1) it contaminates the compost and competes with edible mushrooms for nutrients and space; (2) it secretes toxins that injure and kill the host; (3) when Trichoderma hyphae contact the host hyphae, they wrap around and cut the host hyphae. Control: carry out integrated control work. (1) The culture room and cultivation site should be kept at low temperature, the relative air humidity should be controlled at about 85%, and cleanliness and good ventilation should be maintained; (2) once Trichoderma damage occurs, ventilation should be carried out immediately to reduce humidity. In the early stage of infection of the mushroom logs, 2% formaldehyde solution or 30%-5% carbolic acid can be injected to inhibit the spread of Trichoderma. For some infected mature mushroom logs, the contaminated parts can be dug out, and lime powder, lime-sulfur mixture, or Bordeaux mixture can be spread on the treated parts. Fungicides such as carbendazim, Shibaogong, and thiophanate-methyl can also be used for control. For example, mixing 50% carbendazim 1000 into the compost can prevent the occurrence of Trichoderma, but carbendazim should not be used on lion's mane mushroom, wood ear, or silver ear.

Neurospora. Neurospora, commonly known as red bread mold disease or red bread mold rot, is a common contaminant fungus in edible mushroom production. It can contaminate all edible mushrooms and is a tenacious, fast-growing aerial mold. After the compost is contaminated, it rapidly forms an orange-red or pink mold layer on the surface of the compost. Control: try to avoid production during the hot, stuffy, and humid high-temperature summer period, and pay attention to good environmental sanitation. Once orange-red block-like conidial masses appear, carefully wrap them with a wet cloth or wet paper and remove them, then immerse them in medicinal solution or bury them deeply. Never spray fungicide directly on the pathogen with a sprayer, so as to avoid scattering the spores; an appropriate amount of formaldehyde, kerosene, or diesel can also be dripped on in time, then wrapped with plastic film, which can cause the mold to rot and die. If damage occurs in the later stage of mycelial growth, the affected mushroom bags can be buried in soil with poor air permeability at a depth of 30-40 cm. After 10-20 days of oxygen-deficient treatment, the disease can be reduced and mushrooms can still be produced. Fungicides such as carbendazim and Shibaogong can control the growth of Neurospora.

Aspergillus and Penicillium. Aspergillus is commonly known as yellow mold, green mold, black mold, etc. There are many species of Aspergillus. The colonies of Aspergillus niger are black, loose, and granular; Aspergillus flavus is yellow or yellow-green, later becoming brownish-green; Aspergillus glaucus is initially white and later grayish-green; Penicillium has many species, and its colonies form grayish-green, yellow-green, or blue powdery mold layers. Aspergillus and Penicillium are both common contaminant fungi. They compete with edible mushrooms for nutrients and water, and secrete toxins that inhibit edible mushroom production. Control: strengthening ventilation in the culture room, lowering the temperature, and reducing relative air humidity can alleviate the damage. For localized occurrences, 5%-10% lime water can be used for washing. For other control methods, refer to the control of Trichoderma.