Soft rot is a bacterial disease The bacteria identified with this disease are Janthinobacterium agaricidamnosum sp and Burkholderia gladioli pv Agaricicola Infected mushrooms first display a few light patches which rapidly spread Within 48 hours the mushroom is a slimy mass This problem can occur in the growing room but also post-harvest

It is very difficult to trace the source of the infection Once infection is present on a farm preventing further spread is a priority Pickers containers harvesting equipment and machines can all spread the infection on the farm Insects are also a major infection vector

Tackling the problem with chemical agents is virtually impossible Scrupulous hygiene is essential paying particular attention to disinfecting materials that are used more than once (buckets/containers etc)

The climate also influences these bacteria Higher temperatures and higher RH both encourage bacterial growth Good evaporation is a key word here RH below 85% and a lower temperature greatly inhibit bacterial growth

Mark den Ouden C point