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Abstract: From published literature and discussions with growers outside New Zealand, the presence of nematodes in peat used for casing is considered to be of little consequence. Khair and McLeod (1978), however, demonstrated that New Zealand peat being supplied to Australia contains high numbers of nematodes, especially bacterial feeders (Table 1.). Indications that these bacterial feeding nematodes in peat could affect yields occurred at Lincoln following experiments to compare various casing materials, some of which were used without being sterilised. The following crop was a complete failure as a result of using the nematode contaminated boxes after inadequate sterilisation with formalin. Pinning of the first flush appeared normal, but these failed to develop. This coincided with a rapid build up of nematodes to the stage where they swarmed and aggregated in masses on any projecting object. Examination of the casing to compost interface showed that the mushroom mycelium was destroyed and replaced by a dark, watery looking compost which in some cases extended to the base of the compost. Fig. 1. Since our experience at Lincoln, a number of farms have been visited following complaints of poor cropping, where, on examination, dark, watery compost was associated with high numbers of bacterial feeding nematodes in the casing layer. In all cases cropping returned to normal following adequate sterilisation of the peat casing. These observations prompted an examination of the effect of bacterial feeding nematodes on mushroom production.
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