In the production of edible fungi, managing insect pests such as mushrooms, mushroom worms, cockroaches, nematodes, and others can be a major challenge for farmers. These pests not only damage the crop but also reduce yield and quality. To help address this issue, I’d like to share several effective and practical methods for controlling pests in edible fungus cultivation. These strategies are designed to be both safe and efficient, offering real-world solutions that farmers can implement.
First, it’s advisable to use fermentation or clinker-based cultivation techniques to minimize pest infestation in the growing medium. For example, when preparing the substrate for *Agaricus bisporus*, using fermented materials is highly recommended. Adding small amounts of salt (0.5%), lime (3%), and wood ash (50–8%) during the mixing process can significantly deter pests and improve the overall health of the growing environment.
Before introducing the spawn bags or culture materials into the growing area, it's essential to properly disinfect the shed. A solution of 0.3% dichlorvos combined with 0.1% malathion can be sprayed thoroughly. Alternatively, aluminum phosphide (10g/m³) can be used for fumigation. The room should be sealed and left for at least 48 hours at around 20°C or 24 hours at 25°C, achieving up to 95–100% effectiveness against common pests like mushroom flies and cockroaches. However, due to its high toxicity, aluminum phosphide should be handled with extreme caution.
When pests begin to appear on the surface of the growing material, spraying a 1–2% detergent solution can be very effective. This solution has strong contact killing effects on adult flies, pupae, and larvae, helping to control early infestations.
Another useful technique involves using light and temperature preferences of certain pests. By spraying a liquid onto transparent plastic sheets and covering them over the beds, you can create an environment that lures flying insects. Repeating this 1–2 times daily, or even up to 3–4 times, can effectively trap and kill many pests.
Installing 15W bulbs or blacklight lamps inside the mushroom house can also be beneficial. Placing a container of water beneath the light and adding a few drops of kerosene can attract pests such as mushroom flies and mosquitoes, making it easier to manage their population.
A simple yet effective method is sweet and sour liquid trapping. 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 of the growing bed. Insects attracted by the scent will climb onto the cloth and get poisoned.
Additionally, mixing food-based poisons that pests enjoy can be an effective strategy. For instance, a combination of vinegar, sugar, insecticide, and fried yellow bran in a ratio of 1:5:10:84 can be spread around the beds. This attracts pests while also poisoning them. Another option is to mix wood ash with pyrethrum (1g/m²) and sprinkle it over the growing medium. Repeating this 2–3 times a day can greatly reduce pest populations and prevent disease outbreaks.
During colder seasons, a “kill and remove†approach can be used. On sunny mornings, spray the beds with sweet and sour liquid, cover with plastic, and open the straw curtains. As temperatures rise, pests will move to the surface. Later in the afternoon, remove the plastic, collect the pests, and wash them away with water. Then, apply a low-toxicity insecticide to the bed. Repeating this process 3–5 times can lead to significant pest reduction.
These methods offer a comprehensive and sustainable approach to pest management in edible fungus farming. By combining physical, chemical, and biological controls, farmers can protect their crops while maintaining a safer and more efficient growing environment.
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