Identification and Characterization of Fungal Pathogens Associated with Cultivated Mushrooms

Abstract

Mushrooms, classified as fungi, boast a distinctive fruiting body and have been cultivated since ancient times due to their nutritional richness and unique texture. Serving as a unique source of proteins, vitamins, minerals, crude fibers, carbohydrates, and more, mushrooms offer a novel and valuable addition to the dietary spectrum. Boasting all essential amino acids and encompassing nearly all vital minerals, mushrooms exhibit diverse therapeutic properties. Samples afflicted with mushroom diseases and contaminated compost were gathered from the Pakistan Museum of Natural History (PMNH) mushroom garden, where the infected specimens exhibited various symptomatic features through visual observation. The virulence of the infected samples varied, indicating diverse degrees of fungal diseases. Fungal pathogens were isolated, identified, and purified on PDA medium. Post-isolation, both compost and mushroom (button) samples were prepared for visual confirmation of the fungal pathogens. It was observed that the aerial mycelium exhibited variations from dense to sparse, while the colony colors transitioned from white to pale brown and eventually dark brown after an incubation period of 10-12 days at 24±1 °C. The hyphae displayed branching and interweaving, with a size of 3-5 µm. Conidiophores were characterized as short, thin, branched, hyaline, sub-verticillate to verticillate, featuring an apical conidium measuring 150 to 180 x 3 to 5 µm. Conidia were oblong, singular, 2-celled, possessing thin walls, and were relatively short-lived, measuring 12-14 x 4-5 µm. By enhancing our understanding of the diversity and behavior of these pathogens, this study contributes to the advancement of sustainable and resilient practices in mushroom farming, ultimately promoting the stability and productivity of this economically significant agricultural sector