Diseases Affecting Mushrooms in Africa

Abstract

Diseases affecting Mushrooms in Africa was reviewed in this study. Mushrooms are fleshy saprophytic fungi with noticeable fruiting bodies, achlorophylous and large enough to be harvested by hand. Edible mushrooms are highly nutritious and can be used as alternatives to meat, milk and eggs. Mushrooms have a history of economic importance in Africa as food and as medicine serving as good health supplements for the treatment of certain diseases of mankind. Mushrooms like other cultivated vegetable crops are subject to attack by pests and pathogens. Mushrooms in Africa are susceptible to a variety of viral, bacterial and fungal diseases that may affect mushroom yield and quality. Intensive cultivation of edible mushroom is often affected by some fungal and bacterial diseases that frequently cause dramatic losses. Pests and disease problems have higher chances of occurring when mushrooms are grown in one location over a long period of time. These infections are also facilitated by the prevalent conditions such as warm temperature, humidity, carbon dioxide levels and presence of pests under which the mushroom cultivation is carried out. There are other major causes of mushroom diseases besides fungi, bacteria, nematodes, viruses or pests. These are abiotic stress namely nutrient deficiencies, toxic chemicals, improper climatic conditions as well as poor ventilation which cause mushroom abnormalities. Some mushroom diseases are very difficult to control. However, careful farm management and extreme hygiene may prevent major attacks. Moreover, shelf life quality is severely affected by diseases that are still asymptomatic at the time of harvest. Strict maintenance of sanitation and hygiene in the farm helps to control mushroom diseases. Some control measures include the use of disinfectants such as chlorine and the application of selected fungicides. However, this involves significant costs and leaves undesired residues in the ecosystem. Most chemicals that are still allowed have failed to adequately control major mushroom diseases as resistance is easily induced. Other control measures such as bio-control and the use of resistant varieties are suggested good alternatives to chemical control. More research is required to detect the best pesticide-free alternatives for controlling the diseases and pests of mushrooms for the preservation of Africa’s precious heritage, mushrooms.