Mushroom applications.

Abstract

This paper discusses the mushroom cultivation processes, invertebrate pests of mushrooms, shortcomings of established insect control measures and focuses on the potential of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPNs) in the biological control of mushroom pests. Factors affecting the efficacy of EPNs (including nematode species, host-seeking potential of nematodes, application time, application method, interaction with insecticides and selective breeding effects), implementation of nematodes in mushroom-growing systems, effects on Agaricus bisporus and economic competitiveness with established crop protection techniques are also reviewed.