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Abstract: The mites, Histiostoma feroniarum Dufour and Siteroptes mesembrinae (Canestrini) are commonly found in the baled straw used to produce mushroom compost. These mites can survive both Phase I and II of the mushroom composting process, despite achieving correct temperatures. However, the mites can only reproduce and develop an infestation if the compost is not selective for Agaricus mycelium. Therefore, the development of mite populations can be used as an indicator of compost selectivity. It is more practical to use the conditioning aspect of Phase II to reduce the reproductive potential of the surviving compost mites, rather than to eliminate them during the kill phase. Experimental evidence from an experimental growing unit, plus data from commercial compost yards and farms will be presented and the implications discussed.
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