National mushroom virus survey - update
The vast majority of mycoviruses – the viruses which are naturally widespread throughout both cultivated and wild fungi – cause no problems to their host. But occasionally, combinations of virus particles interact, causing quality and yield issues.
Pathogenic viruses can be hard to detect in mushroom crops. They can replicate unseen and undetected, establishing large disease reservoirs on-farm. Early symptoms can go unnoticed or be ignored. For example, sporadic brown mushrooms appearing in white button crops being dismissed as just ‘one of those things’.
The delay in identifying the causal ‘organisms’ was one of the key factors leading to the devastating impacts of MVX Syndrome in Europe. Early detection and appropriate intervention is key to successfully mitigating the effects of these serious pathogens.
Australia has a long history of virus disease. La France was first recorded in this country in 1969 and there have been sporadic damaging outbreaks recorded over the years.
In 2021 a farm reported a disorder expressing La France-like symptomology. However, samples sent to an external diagnostic laboratory did not detect the La France virus. A second sample was tested for Mushroom Virus X (MVX) Syndrome viruses. This test detected the AbV6 virus particle, which is associated with MVX Syndrome.
A preliminary survey of mushrooms from supermarkets, together with selected farm samples, provided results consistent with the findings from the farm outbreak samples. After consultation with Dr Helen Grogan (Teagasc in Ireland, the leading authority on MVX Syndrome), and discussions with the MU16003 project reference group, it was decided to offer a nation-wide survey to the industry to determine the extent of virus contamination in Australian button mushroom crops.
Read the full report from the Pest and Disease Team, Dr Warwick Gill and Judy Allan in MushroomLink Issue 2
It’s a wrap on MU16003 Pest and disease management and research services
Over the last five years, Warwick Gill (University of Tasmania) and Judy Allan have led the levy funded project MU16003 Pest and disease management and research services, creating an exhaustive and detailed body of knowledge for the Australian mushroom industry.
The team have researched and collated information on current and emerging mushroom pests and pathogens, as well as how to recognise, treat and manage them. They have also focussed strongly on communicating their findings through a variety of engaging formats. The legacy is an impressive and invaluable information resource.
Most of the resources created through the project are available via the AGORA website (agora.australianmushrooms.com.au, note that this is password protected), with a few highlights presented here.
Read more about their research highlights and top tips in MushroomLink Issue 1
MU21002 - Desktop review of pathway risks for the mushroom industry - Agaricus mushrooms and growth substrate imports
Key research provider: Applied Horticultural Research
This investment is identifying exotic mushroom pests and diseases and investigating the potential ways that they could enter Australia. Managing pests and diseases is a key priority for the Australian mushroom industry, as the entry of new pests and diseases could pose a serious threat.
The project team will investigate all possible routes for these pests and diseases to enter Australia, such as through imported Agaricus or exotic mushroom varieties, or other means including substrates (e.g. logs) or inoculum.
The research team will collaborate with the project Development of a biosecurity plan for Australian mushrooms (MU18006) as well as other industry risk-related projects and key industry organisations.
The research team will collaborate with the project Development of a biosecurity plan for Australian mushrooms (MU18006) and other industry risk-related projects and key industry organisations.