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Molecular Markers for Detecting a Wide Range of Trichoderma spp. that Might Potentially Cause Green Mold in Pleurotus eryngii

Summary

King oyster mushrooms are susceptible to green mold caused by various Trichoderma fungi, which significantly reduces crop yields. Researchers developed a quick DNA test that can detect these harmful fungi in mushroom farms before they cause major damage. The test is sensitive enough to identify the fungus even when present in very small amounts mixed with mushroom tissue. This new detection tool will help mushroom farmers monitor their crops and prevent costly contamination losses.

Background

Green mold caused by Trichoderma species is a major epidemic affecting Pleurotus eryngii (king oyster mushroom) cultivation. Multiple Trichoderma species with varying pathogenicity have been isolated from infected mushroom farms. Rapid detection methods are needed to control contamination during mushroom production.

Objective

To develop a rapid molecular marker specific for detecting a wide range of Trichoderma species that cause green mold in P. eryngii. The study aimed to identify pathogenic Trichoderma isolates and design PCR primers for detecting these pathogens in mushroom substrates.

Results

T. pleuroticola was isolated from green mold-infected substrate for the first time in P. eryngii. All eleven Trichoderma species tested showed pathogenicity, causing yield loss of 20.5-99.4%. The developed TDP-F and TDP-R primer set successfully detected all Trichoderma species with detection limits of 5-500 fg and pathogen-to-host ratio of 1:10,000.

Conclusion

The developed molecular markers provide a rapid and accurate detection method for a wide range of Trichoderma species without cross-reactivity to edible mushrooms. This tool will improve monitoring and control of green mold in commercial mushroom production, particularly in liquid spawn systems.
  • Published in:Mycobiology,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: PMID: 32952414, DOI: 10.1080/12298093.2020.1785754
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