GREEN MOULD DISEASE OF OYSTER MUSHROOM

The green mould disease of oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) has been recently reported to cause great crop losses in Hungary and Romania. Trichoderma pleurotum and Trichoderma pleuroticola, the lately described fungal species responsible for the disease are present in both countries. The presented analysis has revealed that the growth of T. pleurotum shows a narrower temperature range (15-30°C) than that of T. pleuroticola (10-35°C). Acidic and neutral pH values and higher water activities were found to favour the growth of both pathogens. These data provide useful information for mushroom growers to optimize the ecophysiological parameters during oyster mushroom cultivation. Key Words: ecophysiology, green mould disease, oyster mushroom, Pleurotus ostreatus