A fungal problem caused by inadequate ventilation/too high a humidity level.
Opening the other end (wall) will solve the problem. Your plants need good air flow-through and proper ventilation/air exchange.
Having only vents near the bottom means the air at the top of your tunnel gets super heated and saturated with moisture, leading to fungal problems.
The layer of perlite on the ground just compounds the problem, as it will hold moisture and add to the excess humidity you are experiencing.
Removing it carefully would also help reduce your humidity problem.
Hope this helps, Organoman.