THE PESTS OF MUSHROOM CULTURE

Pasteurization periods and temperatures must be sufficient to kill all stages of insect growth—140 °F. for 2 hours in composts or other bulk substrates. 

All tools and implements should be cleaned and disinfected before use on a new crop. A commonly used disinfectant is a 2% chlorine solution. 

Breeding areas must be prevented by removing from the premises all excess or spent substrates, used grains, mushroom trimmings and other related by-products. 

The growing room and all containers should be washed and disinfected between crops. Wood in particular harbors contaminants, including virus infected mushroom mycelium. Treatment of wood with cuprinol or copper sulfate is common. Petroleum based products should be avoided. 

Fresh air intakes and exhaust vents must be screened with fine mosquito netting. Be sure there are no cracks around the filters and fan housing. 

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