Nematicidal activity of the Lentinula edodes’ spent mushroom compost

Abstract

The mushroom Lentinula edodes, known as shiitake, has the potential to control plant diseases. However, there is no work that mentions the nematicidal activity of the SMC from shiitake. The aim of the present study is to evaluate the nematicidal potential of L. edodes spent mushroom compost (SMC) on Panagrellus spp. SMC action on Panagrellus spp. larvae was evaluated in Petri dishes containing 2% water-agar (WA2%). In comparison to the control group, the number of intact larvae in the group treated with SMC of L. edodes was significantly (p<0,01) reduced by 77, 73, 71% after 24, 48 and 72 exposure period respectively. The current study presents the possibility of using an agroindustrial residue (SMC) of low cost to control nematodes. SMC has nematicidal activity and may in the future be beneficially used in other sustainable approaches.