The management of insect pests during the production of edible fungi is a major challenge for mushroom farmers. Insects such as mushrooms, mushroom worms, cockroaches, nematodes, and others can significantly reduce yield and quality if not controlled effectively. Below are several practical and clever methods to help manage these pests, offering valuable guidance for growers.
1. **Use Fermented or Clinker Cultivation**: Opt for fermentation or clinker-based cultivation methods to naturally suppress pest populations in the growing medium. For *Agaricus bisporus*, it's recommended to use fermented materials. Adding 0.5% salt, 3% lime, and 50-8% wood ash during preparation can help repel and prevent insects effectively.
2. **Sterilize the Growing Area Before Use**: Before placing the inoculated bags or culture materials into the shed, ensure the space is thoroughly sterilized. A solution of 0.3% dichlorvos and 0.1% cypermethrin can be sprayed, or aluminum phosphide (10g/m³) can be used for fumigation. Seal the room and leave it for 48 hours at around 20°C or 24 hours at 25°C. This method achieves an insecticidal effect of up to 95–100%, though aluminum phosphide is highly toxic and should be handled with care.
3. **Spray Detergent Solution on Surface**: When pests appear on the surface of the growing material, spraying a 1–2% detergent solution can have a strong contact effect, killing adult flies, pupae, and larvae.
4. **Use Light and Cool Traps**: Some pests are attracted to light or cool areas. By spraying a liquid on transparent plastic sheets and covering the bed, you can trap flying insects. Repeat this 1–2 times daily, or even 3–4 times for better results.
5. **Light Traps with Kerosene**: Install 15W bulbs or blacklight lamps inside the mushroom house. Place a container of water underneath and add a few drops of kerosene. This setup attracts and kills mushroom flies and other pests effectively.
6. **Sweet and Sour Liquid Traps**: Mix sugar, vinegar, alcohol, dichlorvos, and water in a ratio of 2:3:4:1:90. Soak gauze or cotton balls in the mixture and place them on the surface. The pests will be attracted by the scent and die after contact.
7. **Bait with Poisoned Food**: Prepare a mixture of vinegar, sugar, insecticide, and fried yellow bran in a ratio of 1:5:10:84. Spread this around the beds to attract pests. Alternatively, mix plant ash with pyrethrum (1g/m²) and sprinkle it on the surface. Reapply every 2–3 days for effective pest control.
8. **"Kill and Remove" Technique in Cold Seasons**: During colder months, spray sweet and sour liquid on the bed, cover it with plastic, and open the straw curtain in the morning. As temperatures rise, pests will move to the surface. In the afternoon, remove the plastic, collect the pests, and spray the bed with low-toxicity insecticides. Repeat this process 3–5 times for long-term control.
By combining these methods, farmers can significantly reduce pest damage and improve the overall success of their mushroom farming operations.
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