Community analysis of myceliophagous nematodes associated with commercially cultivated mushrooms in Himachal Pradesh

Analysis for myceliophagous nematodes associated with commercially cultivated mushrooms viz., Agaricus bisporus, A. bitorquis, Pleurotus sajor caju and Calocybe indica was done in 18 localities of six major mushroom growing districts of Himachal Pradesh. Analysis revealed the presence of myceliophagous nematodes belonging to two orders i.e. Aphelenchida and Tylenchida. The most prevalent aphelenchids were species of Aphelenchoides and Aphelenchus avenae. From the tylenchid group, only Ditylenchus myceliophagus could be recorded having sparse distribution. Myceliophagous nematodes were found to be associated with all mushrooms except P. sajor caju. Five species of genus Aphelenchoides were reported from Solan district viz., A. swarupi, A. agarici, Aphelenchoides sp., A. composticola and A. myceliophagus. Out of 11 Aphelenchoides species identified so far from India in mushroom, incidence of five species was recorded from the areas under survey. In the state, Aphelenchoides swarupi was the most frequent nematode with maximum prominence value (229.1), average population (2574.2 individuals/200 cc compost), absolute frequency (24.5), absolute density (1287.1), relative frequency (29.2) and relative density (42.4). Majority of the mushroom growers in the state were not aware of mushroom nematodes and their management.