African Journal of
Agricultural Research

  • Abbreviation: Afr. J. Agric. Res.
  • Language: English
  • ISSN: 1991-637X
  • DOI: 10.5897/AJAR
  • Start Year: 2006
  • Published Articles: 6894

Article in Press

Implementing Sustainable Practices for the Integrated Control of Green Mold (Trichoderma harzianum) in Dhinghri Mushroom (Pleurotus sajor caju) Using Botanical, Biocontrol Agent and Fungicide

Shaiesta Shah, Shaheen Kousar and Misba Majid

  •  Received: 25 February 2024
  •  Accepted: 25 July 2024
The study investigated integrated management strategies for green mold in a mushroom house, focusing on botanical, bioagent, and fungicide treatments previously effective against Trichoderma harzianum. In vivo evaluations of Azadiracta indica, Bacillus subtilis, and Carbendazim were conducted. Results showed that a combination of Carbendazim, B. subtilis, and A. indica, along with B. subtilis alone, significantly reduced spawn-run duration, with the former combination expressing the minimum days (14.8) needed. Pinhead formation was quickest with Carbendazim + B. subtilis + A. indica and Carbendazim + B. subtilis (5.6 days), followed by B. subtilis alone (5.8 days). The Carbendazim + B. subtilis + A. indica combination exhibited the highest yield increase (27.9%) over the control. Notably, Carbendazim + B. subtilis + A. indica and Carbendazim alone effectively reduced green mold incidence, with the former also exhibiting the lowest disease incidence (5.7%). The study suggests that integrating Carbendazim, B. subtilis, and A. indica is a promising approach for managing green mold in mushroom cultivation.

Keywords: Dhinghri mushrooms, pinhead, green mold, spawn-run, incidence