Insects associated with an edible mushroom Pleurotus tuberregium (Basidiomycota): first fact-finding approach in Benin City, Nigeria

Abstract

Mushroom growers are confronted with insect infestations in Benin City, where the composition of insect taxa associated with an edible mushroom Pleurotus tuberregium was examined for informed management decisions using standard method. Fifteen samples of insects were collected during the duration of sprouting to harvest of the mushroom. Twelve insect taxa were observed on P. tuberregium after being identified to their respective orders and families using an insect identification key. Following three non-parametric estimators (first and second order Jackknife, and Chao estimates), between 76% and 93% of the ‘true taxa richness’ of insects associated with the mushroom were estimated to have been encountered. Of these, Drosophila species (Diptera: Drosophilidae) were the most abundant insects followed by the Staphylinids (Coleoptera: Staphylinidae). Larvae of Drosophila were found feeding within the tissues of infested fruiting bodies of P. tuberregium. Some of the insects found on the mushroom can threaten its commercial farming and growers’ return on investment. The need to prioritise consumer-friendly pest management options as opposed to chemicals was discussed.

Keywords: Drosophila species; staphylinid beetles; edible mushroom; insect pests