INSECT COMMUNITY ASSOCIATED WITH Ganoderma BASIDIOCARPS IN OIL PALM PLANTATIONS OF SABAH

Abstract

Ganoderma Basal Stem Rot (BSR) is currently one of the most important diseases in oil palm. The disease transmission is predominantly through root-to-root contact in soil. However, the role of Ganoderma basidiospores remains ambiguous in the transmission process despite millions being produced during active phase of fungus. Five plantations in Sabah with varying incidences of Ganoderma BSR (6.0% -9.8%) were selected for the study. A total of 543 basidiocarps were collected and assessed. At least 55 arthropods were associated with Ganoderma basidiocarps. Among these arthropods, 8 species were found carrying the basidiospores internally or externally. Handsome fungus beetles, Eumorphus spp. were found to be strongly associated as vector of Ganoderma disease, but this requires further investigation.This study could potentially provide an insight on the sporadic spread of BSR which was not conceivable via root-to-root contact.