Molecular detection of Lecanicillium fungicola on white button mushroom (Agaricus bisporus), using species-specific primer set

The dry bubble disease (caused by Lecanicillium fungicola) is the most threatening disease of cultivated button mushrooms throughout the world. Most of the symptoms shown by the dry bubble are also shown by the wet bubble (Mycogone perniciosa) and they may even be confused. Early detection and precise monitoring of the diseases are very important for managing effective treatments. A PCR-based assay for a specific diagnosis of the disease in various stages of the disease development was developed. A primer pair designed based on ribosomal DNA generated two bands, 650 and 800 bp, specific for the detection of L. fungicola. Additionally, a simple and time-saving method for direct extraction of DNA from the affected sporophores is presented and the impact of sample pre-treatment on the efficiency of DNA isolation is highlighted. Here, we also report Simplicillium lamellicola from Iran, using the nuclear ribosomal internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region.