Antifungal activity of mycoendobiont fungi isolated from white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), against some its fungal pathogens

In this study, the effect of mycoendobiont fungi isolated from white button mushroom against Mycogone perniciosa, Lecanicillium fungicula and Trichoderma harzianum, as its important pathogens, was investigated for use in biological control and replacement of chemical compound. Isolates of mycoendobiont fungi were isolated from the cap, gills and stalk of healthy white button mushroom, collected from major mushroom growing farms in Iran. These isolates screened against aggressive strains mentioned above in dual culture tests and the most effective isolates were selected for greenhouse experiments. White button mushroom spawn was treated with the mycoendobiont fungi and disease incidence and growth parameters were measured. All mycoendobiont isolates tested were able to inhibit and compete with pathogens and controlled the incidence of wet bubble disease (M. perniciosa) from 21.42% to 97.61%, dry bubble disease (L. fungicula) from 60.63% to 96.80% and green mold disease (T. harzianum) from 64.28 to 96.93%. This test was performed in a completely randomized design with Three replications. Mycoendobiont isolates of Fusarium venenatum and Clonostachys rosea had the greatest inhibitory effect on the growth of all pathogens. In addition, Scedosporium apiospermum had a high growth inhibitory effect against M. perniciosa and T. harzianum. According to the results, mycoendobiont fungi of white button mushroom could be considered as the biocontrol agents and growth promoting with the aim of applying them in future.