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First Report of Ganoderma ryvardenii causing Basal Stem Rot (BSR) disease on oil palm (Elaeis guineensis Jacq.) in Ghana

Summary

Oil palm is a valuable crop, but a fungal disease called basal stem rot (BSR) causes serious damage and economic losses. Researchers in Ghana discovered that a fungus species called Ganoderma ryvardenii is causing BSR disease on oil palms, marking the first time this pathogen has been found in West Africa. The study used modern genetic testing to identify the fungus and proved it causes the disease by infecting oil palm seedlings in controlled conditions.

Background

Oil palm is the most significant oil-producing crop globally. Basal stem rot (BSR) disease, caused by Ganoderma fungi, is the most devastating disease of oil palms in tropical regions, causing up to 43% biannual economic losses. While various Ganoderma species have been linked to BSR, G. ryvardenii was only previously reported in Cameroon.

Objective

To identify and confirm the Ganoderma species causing BSR disease on oil palms in Ghana using molecular diagnostic techniques. The study aimed to determine if G. ryvardenii was present in Ghanaian oil palm plantations and assess its pathogenicity.

Results

Disease incidence was 11.3% across 3000 assessed palms. Morphological and molecular analyses confirmed 89% of isolates as G. ryvardenii with >98-99.3% sequence identity to known G. ryvardenii strains. Basidiocarps measured 2-65 cm in diameter. Pathogenicity testing showed GA isolates from the Eastern region exhibited severe pathogenic effects with 72.2% infection rate on test seed nuts.

Conclusion

This is the first report of G. ryvardenii causing BSR disease on oil palm in Ghana, potentially the first in West Africa and second in Africa. The pathogen’s presence represents an emerging threat to oil palm production in Sub-Saharan Africa, requiring urgent management strategies.
  • Published in:F1000Research,
  • Study Type:Field Survey and Laboratory Study,
  • Source: 10.12688/f1000research.161972.2; PMID: 40453370
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