First report of edible mushroom Pleurotus ostreatus from India with potential to kill plant parasitic nematodes

Abstract

Edible fungus Pleurotus ostreatus was, isolated cultured and identified from the bark of Mangifera indica tree. The hyphae emerging from the fruiting body produces secretory cells with toxin droplets in water agar medium which immobilize the nematode and mostly enter from the mouth region. Earlier finding showed that trans-2-decenedioic acid toxin affects only saprophytic nematodes through the mouth part but similar observations in plant parasitic nematode Meloidogyne incognita suggested that there is no obstacle from stylet in paralysing and killing. From Indian subcontinent P. ostreatus was first time isolated, in perspective of plant parasitic nematode management in addition to mushroom production.