Identification and management of pests and diseases of oyster mushroom

Abstract

A study on "Identification and management of pests and diseases of oyster mushroom" was conducted during 2002-2003 at the College of Agriculture, Vellayani. It was undertaken to investigate on the pests and diseases of oyster mushroom Pleurotus florida Eger as well as to evolve ways for tackling them. Springtail, flies and beetles were identified as pests infesting oyster mushroom. Springtail tSeira sp.) was the most dominant pest. Apart from this, mushroom flies, phorids (Megaselia sp.) and sciarids were found to cause severe damage. The beetle pest, Staphylinus sp. and an unidentified beetle belonging to family Staphylinidae and subfamily Scaphidiinae were also problematic. Pathogenic microorganisms were not observed but competitor moulds viz., Trichoderma spp., Aspergillus spp. and Coprinus spp. were present resulting in a reduction in the yield. In vitro studies revealed that dichlorvos 0.01 per cent and 0.02 per cent and malathion at 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 per cent inhibited the growth of Pleurotus spp. The practices, which' prevented the entry of flies into the mushroom beds like covering the holes in mushroom beds with cotton and making pinpricks instead of holes on the cover, were effective in controlling the pest. Among the botanicals tested only garlic extract at two per cent proved effective. Chemicals such as dichlorvos @ 0.01 and 0.02 per cent, malathion @ 0.025, 0.05 and 0.1 per cent had inhibitory effect on Pleurotus if used in a spray schedule of three days interval in incubation room and 10 days interval in cropping room. Nimbecidine 2mlll though not very effective in controlling the pest could be recommended, as it proved not inhibitory to Pleurotus. A single spray of dichlorvos @ 0.01

per cent three days after spawning can be recommended for controlling the pests affecting oyster mushroom. For managing Trichoderma spot application of carbendazim 50 ppm or lime were effective. Increasing pH of the soaking water from 6 to 8 considerably increased the yield. This is an effective, cheap and ecofriendly recommendation, and can be practiced by the farmers.