Utilization of plant-based bioactive extracts for the management of fungal diseases in commercial mushroom cultivation

Background: Fungal infections like dry bubbles (Lecanicillium fungicola), cobweb (Cladobotryum spp.), and green mold (Trichoderma spp.) continue to be key threats to mushroom production and lead to heavy yield losses. Traditional chemical fungicides are progressively less effective because of the development of resistance, thus creating a demand for sustainable solutions. Methods: Bioactive extracts from Azadirachta indica, Allium sativum, Curcuma longa, and Ocimum sanctum were isolated using aqueous and ethanol extraction. The antifungal action of these extracts against major mushroom pathogens was tested by in vitro assays (poisoned food test and spore germination test) and confirmed under the system of simulated cultivation. Result: The most pronounced inhibitory activity was exhibited by the ethanolic extracts of A. indica and A. sativum, inhibiting mycelial growth of L. fungicola and C. mycophilum by over 70%. Spore germination was also severely inhibited, with A. indica inhibiting over 15% of L. fungicola germination. In the case of cultivation trials, the treatment of casing soil with these extracts reduced disease incidence by as much as 65% and resulted in increased yields of Agaricus bisporus by 18–22% over control. Conclusion: Plant-derived extracts are a useful and environmentally friendly alternative for controlling fungal diseases in mushroom cultivation. Their dual functionality as disease suppressors and yield promoters indicates high potential for use in sustainable disease management strategies, diminishing dependence on chemical fungicides and resistance development.