Department of Entomology, Dr YS Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni, 173230, Solan, HP, India
Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, 171005, HP, India
*Email for correspondence: anjusk20@yahoo.in
Online published on 3 April, 2017.
Two genera of springtails were encountered in the beds of cultivated edible mushrooms viz Agaricus bisporus and Pleurotus sajor caju. These pests occurred in mushroom farms wherever dark and humid conditions prevailed in the cropping rooms. Achorutes armatus was more widely distributed as it infested 58.1 per cent samples as compared to Lepidocyrtus cyaneus which was present in 25.8 per cent samples only. The overlapping populations of both the genera were retrieved from some locations like Darin and Larenkelo. Oyster mushroom was more vulnerable to the assault of these tiny collembolans as compared to button mushrooms. Infestation to the extent of 87.5 per cent was observed in former as compared to 65.2 per cent in latter. Probably the higher temperature conditions during cultivation of oyster mushrooms were more conducive for these tiny organisms. Numerous mites were also found infesting mushroom beds.
Springtails, button mushroom, oyster mushroom, mites
