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Green Mold Diseases of Agaricus and Pleurotus spp. Are Caused by Related but Phylogenetically Different Trichoderma

L Hatvani, Z Antal, L Manczinger

    Phytopathology
    |October 24, 2008
    PubMed

    Insights

    Green mold epidemics in Hungary affecting champignon and oyster mushrooms were investigated. Two key Trichoderma species were identified, one new to science, showing substrate specialization and potential for widespread epidemics.

    Area of Science:

    • Mycology
    • Plant Pathology
    • Agricultural Science

    Background:

    • Recent green mold epidemics have impacted champignon (Agaricus bisporus) and oyster mushroom (Pleurotus ostreatus) production in Hungary.
    • Understanding the specific Trichoderma species involved is crucial for disease management and preventing further spread.

    Purpose of the Study:

    • To identify and characterize Trichoderma species associated with green mold outbreaks in Hungarian mushroom cultivation.
    • To determine the host specificity and geographical distribution of these fungal pathogens.

    Main Methods:

    • Isolation and identification of 66 Trichoderma strains from mushroom compost and substrate.
    • Utilized polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for T. aggressivum detection.
    • Employed DNA sequencing (ITS1, ITS2, tef1alpha introns) and mitochondrial DNA restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) for species identification.

    Main Results:

    • Seven Trichoderma species were identified, including T. aggressivum f. europaeum and a novel species, Trichoderma sp. DAOM 175924.
    • T. aggressivum f. europaeum was found exclusively in Agaricus bisporus compost, while Trichoderma sp. DAOM 175924 was isolated from Pleurotus ostreatus substrate.
    • The new species is genetically similar to known oyster mushroom pathogens from Korea, suggesting a potential for widespread epidemics.

    Conclusions:

    • Green mold disease caused by T. aggressivum f. europaeum has spread to Central Europe.
    • The green mold affecting oyster mushrooms in Hungary is caused by a species also found in Korea, indicating global distribution and epidemic potential.
    • The identified Trichoderma species exhibit substrate specialization on Hungarian mushroom farms.

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