Integrated Management of Mycogone perniciosa Causing Wet Bubble Disease of White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) in Kashmir

Background and Objective: Mycogone perniciosa is a fungal pathogen responsible for causing wet bubble disease, a serious threat to button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) production in India. Outbreaks of wet bubble disease (WBD) are seriously affecting the yield of this mushroom to a great extent. The aim of this study was to have an integrated management of wet bubble disease of white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), using the best-selected fungicide, plant extract and bioagent against the pathogen. Materials and Methods: The most promising botanical, bioagent and fungicide were selected from previous in vivo treatments and were further evaluated against Mycogone perniciosa in the mushroom house. Results: Sprays on the casing with non-systemic fungicides prochloraz manganese 50 WP or captan 50 WP at 0.2% and systemic fungicides carbendazim 50 WP or bitertanol at 0.1%, respectively were most effective in controlling wet bubble disease without causing toxicity to the mushroom mycelium. Incorporation of dry formulations of bacterial antagonists in casing mixture at the time of casing at 2-3% was much helpful for the management of the disease.