Damage potential of Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank (Acari: Acaridae) in mushrooms 

Abstract

Tyrophagus putrescentiae Schrank (Acari: Acaridae), is one of the most serious pests of high protein food including mushrooms. It is known to feed and disperse various pathogenic fungi in stored grain and products. It causes economic losses in stored products in addition to allergic disorder in workers handling stored products. Understanding T. putrescentiae multiplication on Agaricus bisporus compost, fruiting bodies, its role in transmission of disease is of paramount importance for the standardization of control measures. Documentation of the population abundance and selection of best compost for white button mushroom farming would open up new scope for farmers. Considering the above facts, efforts have been made to assemble the available literature in this article.