This TIA-led research project has developed an extensive library of resources for the Australian mushroom industry.
Like all crops, mushroom yields can be adversely impacted by pests and diseases. However, mushrooms lack protective skins, as well as the defense compounds often produced by parent plants. Moreover, treating disease with fungicide is clearly problematic for a fungus! Added to this is a short cropping cycle, leaving little time to treat diseases mid-cycle.
Prevention is better than cure very much applies here. Over the last five years, Warwick Gill from the Tasmanian Institute of Agriculture and Judy Allan has led the levy-funded project MU 16003 Pest and disease management and research services, creating an exhaustive and detailed body of knowledge for the Australian mushroom industry.
The team has researched and collated information on current and emerging mushroom pests and pathogens, as well as how to recognize, treat and manage them. They have also focussed strongly on communicating their findings through a variety of engaging formats. The legacy is an impressive and invaluable information resource.
Read the complete article at www.utas.edu.au.