Because of the problems associated with pesticides, the
Primary
goal of the project
is the
Reduction
of pesticide usage in mushroom cultivation
through:
- Increasing
the awareness of compost manufacturers and mushroom growers to the potential of physical exclusion and
hygiene to reduce pest problems;
- Research aimed at improving
existing and developing new biological control methods.
The
various insect control measures all have advantages and disadvantages:
Physical
exclusion
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
- Environmentally friendly
- Once implemented little variable costs
- Safe for workers
- Safe for consumers of mushrooms
|
- Requires attention to technical details of buildings and structures
- High initial capital investment (especially phase III / phase IV compost production)
|
Biological
Control
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
- Environmentally friendly
- Safe for workers
- Safe for consumers of mushrooms
|
- Somewhat less effective and reliable than chemicals
- Optimal application of biological control agents (product handling, optimal application timing) and requires considerable level of growers’ expertise
- Short shelf life of biological control agents
|
Chemical
insecticide
| Advantages |
Disadvantages |
- Inexpensive
- Ease of use (users are familiar with it)
- Can be very effective in suppressing pests
- Long shelf life of chemicals
|
- Environmental contamination
- Pesticide residues may compromise worker and consumer safety
- Legal requirements for pesticide registrations have led to a limited numbers of products available to mushroom growers
- Insecticides may cause yield reductions
- Evolution of resistant pests
|
