Bacteriophages in mushroom compost - friend or foe?
Bacteriophages, or simply ‘phages’, are viruses that infect bacteria. They are some of the most diverse and widespread organisms on the planet. Bacteriophages can be useful agents, targeting harmful bacteria. They can also have negative effects, attacking the beneficial bacteria that make life possible. Friend or foe depends on place and pathogen.
Bacteriophages, or simply ‘phages’, are viruses that infect bacteria. They are some of the most diverse and widespread organisms on the planet. Bacteriophages can be useful agents, targeting harmful bacteria. They can also have negative effects, attacking the beneficial bacteria that make life possible. Friend or foe depends on place and pathogen.
National mushroom virus survey
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.