Observations on the Availability of Pleurotus Oestratum Jacq. On Some Economic Plants, Associated Insects and Their Control.

Abstract

The edible Niger Delta mushroom, Pleurotus oestratum was collected from twelve plants of economic importance namely: Mango (Mangifera indica), Avocado pear (Persea Americana), African pear (Dacryodes edulis), African sour sop (Annona muricata), Terminalia catappa, T. ivorensis, Tectona grandis, Anacardium occidentale, Citrus sinensis, Elaise guineensis, Kola nitida and Cocos nucifera. Flies associated with their different phases of growth in Pleurotus oestratum were also collected, enumerated and identified. Identified insects included Megaselia halterata, Drosophila melanogaster, Fannia spp, Atherigona orientalis, Ceratitis capitata. Other insects also collected were Cryptolestis spp, Carpophilus dimidiatus, Zonocerus variegatus and Pseudocreobotra species and Cathartus quadricollis. Three phases of growth of the Mushroom were categorized as early growth phase, mature growth phase and dry growth phase. Detailed report on the percentage occurrence of the insects on different phases of mushroom growth is presented and their control using a biocide, Lepidagathis alopecuroides is discussed.

Keywords: Pleurotus oestratum, Lepidagathis alopecuroides, insects, economic plants, control.