Scytalidium cuboideum Inhibits Shiitake Mycelial Growth and Causes Pink Staining in Shiitake Billets (Quercus griffithii) in Bhutan

Abstract

Pink staining in shiitake (Lentinula edodes (Berk.) Pegler) billets (Quercus griffithii Hook.f. and Thomson ex Miq.) causing the inhibition of shiitake mycelium and a reduction in shiitake production was observed throughout Bhutan in 2017–2018. Completion of Koch’s postulates confirmed the causal agent to be Scytalidium cuboideum, a first record of this disease in shiitake billets in Bhutan. In failed billets, it was observed that there was no growth of shiitake mycelium from the spawn. Trials suggest that S. cuboideum is responsible for the occurrences of poor colonisation by shiitake spawn—even when pink staining is not evident. Warm temperatures favour S. cuboideum, with shiitake able to sometimes overcome low rates of infection when incubated at low temperatures.