Discovering Ecological Interactions Between Biocontrol Bacterial Strains and Entomopathogenic Nematodes in Button...

Area of Science:

• Agricultural Science
• Microbiology
• Entomology

Background:

• Mushroom cultivation relies on complex substrate microbiomes.
• Pests and diseases like *Trichoderma aggressivum* and *Lycoriella ingenua* impact yield.
• Biological control agents offer sustainable solutions.

Purpose of the Study:

• Evaluate interactions between *Steinernema feltiae* (EPN) and *Bacillus amyloliquefaciens* (BA) or *Streptomyces flavovirens* (SF).
• Assess efficacy against *T. aggressivum* and *L. ingenua*.
• Determine impact on *Agaricus bisporus* yield.

Main Methods:

• Experimental design to test pairwise interactions.
• Efficacy assessment against fungal pathogen and insect pest.
• Mushroom yield measurement.
• Synergy factor calculation.

Main Results:

• Additive efficacy against *T. aggressivum* when EPN combined with BA or SF.
• Synergistic interactions observed between EPN and beneficial microbes regarding mushroom yield.
• Mild antagonism or additive effects against *L. ingenua*, with >80% efficacy across combinations.

Conclusions:

• Tested native strains of BA and SF can be combined with commercial EPN for integrated pest and disease management.
• These combinations support sustainable biological control in mushroom production.
• Interactions are complex but generally beneficial for yield and pest suppression.