Challenges in mushroom farming and how to solve them.

There are many challenges in mushroom farming. Understanding these problems can help you succeed in your agribusiness.

Pest and diseases affecting mushroom production

Challenges in mushroom farming are many. With a lot of science involved in cultivating vegetables, many tend to shy off from the venture. Well, it’s true if one is not well-informed on how to go about it, the results can be frustrating.

This article focuses on the major pests and diseases that affect mushroom production.

Mushrooms are attacked by a range of pests and diseases during their growth. A cultivator who was doing so well can end up losing the whole crop if care and attention are not given. Also, it should be noted that despite care and attention diseases and pest may find their way into the mushrooms.

For example, cultivating mushrooms on the same spot for longer periods will greatly influence the level of attack the cultivator will face.

About Pests.

Mushroom Mites.

Although other mites can be encountered by the cultivator, two main mites’ members are considered mushroom pests. These are:

Tarsonemusmyceliophagus species. They are microscopic hence cannot be seen with naked eyes. They multiply fast enough to cause significant losses if not controlled. These mites feed on the hype of the mushroom and any other competing fungi. They can be detected by examining the mushroom stipes, which turn reddish-brown due to the biting effects of the mites.

Red pepper mites.

Mostly seen on mushroom caps or the casing materials as sprinkled pepper. Their appearance is due to their high rate of reproduction and ability to colonize a surface within days, hence their name. Though not considered mushroom pests, they facilitate the spread of grey mold and negatively affect the marketability of the mushrooms.

Though considered not to be mushroom pests, nonetheless, they are more of predatory mites, feeding on competing fungi. This should give the cultivator a heads up that his/her substrate was not well pasteurized or sterilized.

Control.

Farm hygiene is the key to successfully eradicate the mites’ threat. Ensure foot bath and clean clothes are situated at every house, as mite can be moved by the cultivar.

Substrate should be pasteurized or sterilized to the required standards, to kill off mites, bacteria, fungi, or any other micro-organism.

Mushroom flies.

They are the major challenge that a cultivator faces when infested by them. Flies contribute to a higher percentage of contamination of the mushrooms. From transmitting mites, spreading of competing fungi, egg-laying inside the substrate, to becoming a nuisance to works, they can significantly reduce production rates if not controlled.

Flies are attracted to the mushroom house by the decomposing substrates, which offer a suitable environment for eggs laying.

Different species may be encountered during the production process. It’s of great importance for a cultivator to note the type of fly troubling the production, which helps in effective control of the fly.

Sciarid and phorid flies are the common flies infesting the mushroom house causing drastic losses. Their maggots tunnel through the mushroom stipe resulting in hollow low-quality mushrooms.

Control.

Use of insect nets to deny entry to flies have succeeded. Nets used should target even the smallest of the flies for effective control.

Proper ventilation should be always considered to prevent the accumulation of odor produced by the decomposing substrate which attracts flies.

It is also crucial to note that hygiene is the most important aspect for controlling flies. Thus, from substrate preparation to spawning, high standards/ levels of hygiene should be observed.

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#Next, we look at diseases affecting mushroom production.. So, stick around.