Vol. 10, Special Issue 12 (2021)

Author(s):
Bhaswati Chakraborty and Archana TS

Abstract:
Since prehistory, humans have been aware of mushrooms. Mushrooms are farmed all over the world for their nutritional and therapeutic properties. For a long time, diseases in mushrooms have been a major hurdle in the expansion of the mushroom industry. Several diseases such as Dry bubble, Wet bubble, Cobweb, Bacterial blotch, Internal stipe necrosis and many other contaminants, like the green mold caused by Trichoderma spp., Inky caps, False truffle are found to infect mushroom crops at different stages of development. The diseases primarily affect the fruiting body of the mushroom, resulting in reduced quality and yield loss. Each of the diseases is peculiar concerning their symptoms, disease cycle, and epidemiology. The main source of the diseases is the unsterile or poorly sterile substrate. To eliminate pre-existing contaminants, several sterilization techniques such as steam sterilization, hot water sterilization can be used. Furthermore, biological control using botanicals and live antagonists can be used as a prophylactic disinfectant or as therapeutic sprays. Biological control methods are both environment and human health friendly. Biological control measures, unlike chemical fungicides, do not inhibit the mycelial growth of mushrooms and do not raise the issue of pesticide resistance in pathogens. Rouging out of diseased mushrooms as well as sanitizing mushroom houses and managing vector population, are all important in preventing the spread of diseases in mushroom farm.