- UF/IFAS researchers discovered that bacterial blotch in white button mushrooms is caused by a complex of multiple bacteria, not a single pathogen as previously believed.
- The disease significantly impacts mushroom growers by reducing yields, shortening shelf life and making crops unsellable due to visible blemishes.
- The findings are expected to support better diagnostics and more effective, sustainable treatments, helping strengthen mushroom production nationwide.
A University of Florida study has made a key discovery in understanding a disease that for over a century has plagued the white button mushroom — a nutrient-dense vegetable that is valued for its versatility and health benefits.
As an economically important specialty crop, it is often highlighted as a practical example of the “food is medicine” concept by showing how the kitchen staple commonly used in appetizers, salads and everyday foods can support healthy diets.
However, bacterial blotch, a persistent disease in the United States that reduces yield, shortens shelf life and lowers marketability of the white button mushroom, continues to challenge growers by causing brown or yellow blemishes that make mushrooms unsellable. In some cases, the symptoms do not appear until the mushrooms have reached grocery stores or consumers’ homes.
New research findings by UF scientists at the Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) uncovered that bacterial blotch is not caused by a single disease-causing bacteria or pathogen as originally learned, but by a complex of pathogenic bacterial species that thrive in the indoor controlled, humid environments where they are grown.
To learn more about this research, select this UF News link.
Para accesar a esta comunicación en español, por favor utilice este enlace.
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By Lourdes Mederos, rodriguezl@ufl.edu
ABOUT UF/IFAS
The mission of the University of Florida Institute of Food and Agricultural Sciences (UF/IFAS) is to develop knowledge relevant to agricultural, human and natural resources and to make that knowledge available to sustain and enhance the quality of human life. With more than a dozen research facilities, 67 county Extension offices, and award-winning students and faculty in the UF College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, UF/IFAS brings science-based solutions to the state’s agricultural and natural resources industries, and all Florida residents.
WHY FOOD IS OUR MIDDLE NAME
Feeding a hungry world takes effort. Nearly everything we do comes back to food: from growing it and getting it to consumers, to conserving natural resources and supporting agricultural efforts. Explore all the reasons why at ifas.ufl.edu/food or follow #FoodIsOurMiddleName.
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