LEVEL OF INSECT INFESTATION AND VIABILITY OF THE SCLEROTIA OF PLEROTUS TUBERREGIUM

ABSTRACT

This study investigates the insect infestation level and viability of Pleurotus tuberregium sclerotia from selected markets in Benin City. A single sclerotium was randomly chosen from each market, and insects were extracted using the floatation method. Samples were then incubated for four weeks to culture possible larvae and pupae. During incubation, humidity levels were monitored, and some samples developed fruiting bodies. Viability tests employed potato dextrose agar and soil as substrates. Majority of samples displayed 63–100% mycelia formation success on potato dextrose agar. In contrast, using soil yielded only 1 successful fruiting body out of 18 bags. Insects collected were identified, primarily falling under the family Staphylinidae and Order Coleoptera. This research contributes to deeper insect impact and sclerotia viability, emphasizing the implications for Pleurotus tuberregium quality and cultivation practices.