Growing <i>Pleurotus ostreatus</i> (ex. Fr) Kummer Using Gamma Radiation in Southern Ghana and its Associated Pests

Abstract

Pests have been implicated in causing severe damage to food crops including mushrooms, thereby increasing the incidence of postharvest loss. This study investigated the various pests involved in the cultivation of gamma radiation aided cultivated Pleurotus ostreatus. Pests were isolated and identified by the procedure described by the Entomological Society of Canada. Cultivation of Pleurotus ostreatus was achieved by pre-treating composted sawdust substrates and spawn preparation with a gamma radiation dose of 15 kGy from a Cobalt 60 source (SLL 515, Hungary) at a dose rate of 1.7 kGyh^-1 in air. A total of five pests were recorded while cropping, namely; Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit fly), Blatta germanica (cockroach), Archachatina marginata (giant snail), and Doratogonus meridionalis (millipede) and Cryptophlebia leucotreta (False codling moth). The predominant pest was Drosophila melanogaster (Fruit fly) (97%). Results recorded over four flush periods were 378g, 0.63, and 63% for Total yield, biological yield, Biological Efficiency (%), respectively. The average stipe length and pileus diameter were recorded and showed no statistical differences (p>0.05) observed in the different weeks. Other growth parameters (mushroom size, total number of primordia, total number of fruitbodies etc.) recorded showed some significant differences (p<0.05). Pests identified contributed to yield reduction and product quality.