Bacterial Diseases of Edible Mushrooms and Their Control

Abstract

Fermor, T. R., 1986. Bacterial diseases of edible mushrooms and their control A world-wide survey has shown that representatives of all the major commercially important genera of edible mushrooms, Agaricus , Pleurotus , Lentinus , Flammulina , Volvariella and Auricularia , are affected by bacterial diseases. Pseudomonads are the causal agents in most cases and crop losses increase as more intensive cultivation methods are used. The cultivated mushroom Agaricus bisporus is the most valuable protected crop grown in the UK. Losses due to spoilage by ‘bacterial blotch’ ( Pseudomonas tolaasii ) are estimated as 5-10% of the total mushrooms grown, with some further 10% downgraded in market value. Two methods give mushroom growers limited control of the disease: i) the application of regular chlorinated water drenches to the casing layer ii) manipulation of the environment in growing rooms. At GCRI a system of biological control of ‘bacterial blotch’ using antagonistic bacteria is being developed. The principles behind this system may have application in the control of bacterial diseases of other edible mushrooms.