STUDIES ON THE INTERACTION BETWEEN INSECTS AND EDIBLE MUSHROOM PLEUROTUS OSTREATUS (Jacq) P. Kumm.: UNDER FIELD CONDITIONS.

ABSTRACT

This study investigated the numbers and type of insects associated with Pleurotus ostreatus. Mushroom cultivation was carried out at the African Centre for Mushroom Research Technology Innovation, University of Benin where spawn and substrate preparation and other necessary things was carried out for the production of Pleurotus ostreatus. Fifteen colonized substrate bags of Pleurotus ostreatus were transferred to the botanical garden where the experiment was carried out. The bags were cut open and arranged in different cages, in which one was completely open, another was semi-open and the last was covered completely. It was observed that certain insects were attracted to the mushroom. The mushrooms were harvested and destructive sampling was carried out whereby insects were picked into the sampling bottles and were identified under the microscope. The composition of insect order found in the mushroom were Staphylinidae, Mycedophagidae, Collembola, Drosophilidae, Leiodidae, and Formicidae. It was observed that majority of insects encountered was Staphylinidae. A little damage to the fruity body of the mushroom due to insect infestation was observed. Investigating the interaction between insects and Pleurotus ostreatus provides valuable insights into the ecological dynamics of these organisms. Understanding how insects interact with the mushroom in natural environments can help us comprehend their roles in the ecosystem, including potential mutualistic relationships, dispersal mechanisms, and ecological impacts. Key words: Pleurotus ostreatus, Edible mushroom, Insect infestation, mushroom cultivation.