Pest and disease management for the Australian mushroom industry

Research

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Project details

Status: Current

At a glance

This project will research the conditions that promote the establishment and survival of major mushroom pathogens and communicate the findings to industry.

What's it all about?

This project is reducing the negative economic impacts experienced by the mushroom industry as a direct result of the influence of pests and diseases infiltrating mushrooms crops. The project will conduct research into pest and disease management options, extensively engage with growers and provide access to farm-focused extension activities.

This project recognises the role chemical control options play in an effective integrated pest and disease management strategy. However, it seeks to provide growers with the necessary tools and resources to increase confidence in using non-chemical management strategies, such as:

  • Recognise pest infestations and disease symptoms early.
  • Consider available biological control options.
  • Make the correct management decisions in a timely manner.
  • Prevent the indirect costs of disease, which can include the purchase of pesticides and salt and the labour costs for monitoring and applying treatments.
Mushrooms growing in dirt
Mushrooms growing in soil.

How are we are solving the problem?

Extension and relevant fit-for-purpose resources will be developed to ensure that mushroom pest and disease management information, technology and research outcomes are presented to industry in a usable, farm-friendly format to aid adoption on-farm.

Pest and disease extension resources assist growers and their staff to identify both pests and diseases early and to make timely, correct and effective management decisions.

Better management of mushroom pests and diseases

The intended goals and outcomes of this project are to:

  • Increase the range of available tools for the management of high priority mushroom pests and diseases in a profitable and sustainable manner
  • Increase grower confidence in the application of best practice integrated pest and disease management principals to effectively and economically control pest and disease problems
  • Assist growers make well-coordinated pest and disease management decisions, contributing to streamlined farm operations
  • Increase knowledge, skills and awareness of mushroom growers and ensure project activities and outputs are attributable to improved pest and disease management practices
  • Increase knowledge and awareness of biosecurity risks from new and emerging pests and pathogens arising from international mushroom industries
  • Improve capacity to lead and support current and future industry needs

Related resources

Browse fact sheets, guidelines and articles below.

For more information contact:

Dr Warwick Gill