Innovative Strategies for Disease and Pest Management in Mushroom Farming

Abstract

Mushroom cultivation, particularly for edible species like button, oyster, and shiitake mushrooms, is an increasingly popular agricultural practice globally, valued for its high nutritional content and economic significance. The productivity of mushrooms is seriously threatened by pests and diseases, which can result in large financial losses. Organisms such as fungi (Trichoderma), bacteria (Pseudomonas), viruses, and insect pests like sciarid flies can negatively impact the growth of mushrooms by harming the mycelium and fruiting bodies. In order to effectively manage these pests, a variety of techniques have been employed, including chemical treatments, biological agents, and mechanical controls. A more sustainable and eco-friendly alternative is provided by the integrated pest management (IPM) strategy, which blends cultural, biological, physical, and chemical tactics. With an emphasis on button and oyster mushrooms, this paper compiles the most recent research on managing pests and diseases in mushroom growing. It highlights how crucial IPM is to attaining sustainable pest management, lowering reliance on chemicals, and increasing mushroom production. The assessment also looks at new methods and potential lines of inquiry for better disease and pest control in mushroom farming. The study concluded that farmers from all over the world are actively cultivating various mushroom species. However, severe insect infestation is one of the major risks during mushroom growing, which can cause massive damage to the mushrooms and significant financial loss. It is best to employ fewer chemicals to control pests because overuse of chemicals harms the natural ecosystem over the long run and has bad effects on both humans and beneficial living things.