Pathogenicity of Aphelenchoides composticola on White Button Mushroom (Agaricus bisporus)

The pathogenic potential of Aphelenchoides composticola to Agaricus bisporus was found to be dependent on the initial inoculum level and time of infestation of the mushroom beds. Yield parameters were found to be significantly less at and above 10 nemas per kg compost, irrespective of time of inoculation. Highest yield and number of fruiting bodies were recorded when inoculation was done at the time of casing followed by spawning and lowest at composting. Maximum nematode population was recorded when inoculation was done at the time of composting followed by spawning and minimum at casing.