1Department of Entomology and Apiculture, Dr. Y.S. Parmar University of Horticulture and Forestry, Nauni-173 230, Solan, (HP.), India.
2Department of Entomology, CSK Himachal Pradesh Krishi Vishwidyalaya, Palampur-176 062, (HP.), India.
An experiment conducted to assess the damage potential of Aphelenchoides swarupi and Aphelenchus avenae against white button mushroom, Agaricus bisporus revealed that the damage potential of both nematodes was high when inoculated at spawning time and restricted the mycelial growth significantly as compared to control when observed at casing. Whereas, 100 per cent mycelial spread was recorded in control at pinhead formation, further depletion of mycelium as compared to casing time was observed in all the bags receiving nematode application. Per cent mycelial growth was lower in the bags receiving spawning time inoculations as compared to those receiving casing time applications. Mycelial growth was restricted significantly more by A. swarupi than A. avenae at corresponding spawning and casing time inoculations. The sporophore yield loss incurred by the two species of nematodes reduced the yields of mushroom significantly than control; yield reduction being more when inoculated at spawning rather than casing time. Despite its lower multiplication potential, A. avenae incurred significant losses to A. bisporus, indicating its high pathogenic potential.
Agaricus bisporus, Aphelenchoides swarupi, Aphelenchus avenae, damage potential, spawning and casing
