Mushroom diseases

There are several diseases that affect commercial mushroom crops. Find out more about them, so you can identify, prevent and control outbreaks on your site.

Below you’ll find information about the following mushroom diseases:

• Mushroom Virus X
• Brown Cap Mushroom Virus
• Fungal diseases (including Dry Bubble, Wet Bubble and Cobweb disease)
• Trichoderma aggressivum

Bacterial blotch

Bacterial blotch, caused by bacteria in the Pseudomonas fluorescens species complex, is considered the most important disease currently faced by most major button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus) growing countries.

Learn about how Mushroom Virus X is transmitted, what symptoms to look out for in your crops, and what to do to limit infection points on site and contain the spread.

Find out how to spot the signs of Brown Cap Mushroom Virus (BCMV), how to manage the disease and pick up some recommendations on how to prevent it from coming back.

This section provides details about different types of fungal diseases found in mushrooms. Read about Dry Bubble, Wet Bubble and Cobweb disease, and read recommendations on how to contain and manage them.

Read about Trichoderma aggressivum in mushrooms and find out how to stay alert to the key symptoms. Learn how to monitor and test for the disease, and how to respond to outbreaks in your crop.

While the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board seeks to ensure that the information contained within this and linked AHDB pages on Mushroom diseases is accurate at the time of publication, no warranty is given in respect thereof and, to the maximum extent permitted by law, the Agriculture and Horticulture Development Board accepts no liability for loss, damage or injury howsoever caused (including that caused by negligence) or suffered directly or indirectly in relation to information and opinions contained in or omitted from this document.

Biocidal, disinfectant and plant protection products must only be used in accordance with the authorised conditions of use. Regular changes occur in the authorisation status of biocides and plant protection products. For the most up-to-date information, please check with your professional supplier, BASIS-registered adviser or the Chemical Regulation Division (CRD) of HSE (hse.gov.uk/crd/) before use.

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