Pseudomonas agarici. [Descriptions of Fungi and Bacteria].
Abstract A description is provided for Pseudomonas agarici. Information is included on the disease caused by the organism, its transmission, geographical distribution, and hosts. HOSTS: Agaricus bisporus the cultivated mushroom; Agaricus spp. DISEASE: Drippy gill of mushroom. The name is derived from the numerous cream-grey droplets of bacteria that develop on the gills. They are usually surrounded by a dark brown to black water-soaked spot which increases in size up to 2 mm or more. The droplets also increase in size and may coalesce and bridge the spaces between gills. If infection is severe the gill tissues collapse. Fine longitudinal splits, that become brown with age, usually develop on the stipe. GEOGRAPHICAL DISTRIBUTION: Australia (NSW, 63, 3168); New Zealand (Young, 1970); Eire (52, 943); UK (cultures in NCPPB) are recorded, but it is probably of world wide occurrence. TRANSMISSION: Details are unknown. Fahy and Lloyd (1983) report that the disease is often found in association with poor compost pasteurization, Young (1970) noted that the bacteria can be found in immature caps with unbroken veils. This suggests that the organism may enter from the bed to the cap in a young stage of the cap's development.