Harnessing Essential Oils for in-vitro Control of Trichoderma sp. in Mushroom Cultivation

Mushrooms are highly nutritious dietary items that are rich in vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, and high-quality protein. Oyster and button mushrooms are highly significant species, cultivated in diverse farms and locations. Various fungal contaminants, including Trichoderma sp. hindered the mycelium growth of button mushroom, hence reduces its yield. In this study, bio-management of Trichoderma horzianum which is a major causative agent of mushroom mold was investigated by using different essential oils viz., cinnamon, coconut, neem and rose oil with increasing concentration of 4%, 8%, 12% and 16% against Trichoderma sp. All of the essential oils showed significant impact, but rose oil with concentration of 16% demonstrated the highest efficacy in controlling Trichoderma sp against mushroom mold. Thus, it is suggested that increasing concentration of rose oil would be more effective under in-vitro conditions in controlling Trichoderma horzianum.