Influence of Steinernema feltiae and Diflubenzuron on Yield and Economics of the Cultivated Mushroom Agaricus bisporus in Dutch Mushroom Culture
Title:
Influence of Steinernema feltiae and Diflubenzuron on Yield and Economics of the Cultivated Mushroom Agaricus bisporus in Dutch Mushroom Culture
Author:
Scheepmaker, J. W. A. Geels, F. P. Smits, P. H. Van Griensven, L. J. L. D.
Appeared in:
Biocontrol science and technology
Paging:
Volume 8 (1998) nr. 2 pages 269-275
Year:
1998-06-01
Contents:
The insect pathogenic nematode Steinernema feltiae (Nematoda: Steinernematidae) was shown to offer an alternative to the use of diflubenzuron for the control of the mushroom fly Lycoriella auripila (Diptera: Sciaridae). The influence of diflubenzuron and S. feltiae treatments on the yield and numbers of the mushroom, Agaricus bisporus , was studied. Applications of diflubenzuron after casing significantly reduced total mushroom yields by 10-13%. The greatest yield reductions were observed in the first flush. In the second flush, high yields were found despite significantly lower numbers of mushrooms. These high yields, however, could not compensate for the yield loss of the first flush. Some of the treatments with S. feltiae significantly increased yields, but these were not associated with a particular time of application. As nematodes did not reduce mushroom yields they were able to compete with diflubenzuron. Although the purchase costs of nematodes were high, their use was more economical than that of diflubenzuron when the yield losses of 10% due to casing treatments were taken into account.