MYCOLab Ai Logo - gold and army green

Morphological and Molecular Characterization of Lasiodiplodia theobromae Causing Stem Gummosis Disease in Rubber Trees and Its Chemical Control Strategies

Summary

Rubber trees in China experienced a serious stem gummosis disease that caused bark cracking and latex leakage in 2023. Scientists identified the fungus Lasiodiplodia theobromae as the cause through laboratory and molecular tests. They successfully treated the disease using a combination of copper-based fungicides applied to tree trunks and roots, preventing further damage to the trees.

Background

Rubber trees (Hevea brasiliensis) are major tropical cash crops in southern China. In July 2023, stem gummosis disease characterized by bark cracking, latex exudation, and xylem rot was observed on mature rubber trees in Haikou, Hainan Province with an 18% incidence rate.

Objective

To confirm the pathogenicity of the pathogen causing stem gummosis disease in rubber trees, characterize it using morphological and molecular tools, and develop effective field management strategies using fungicides.

Results

The causal agent was identified as Lasiodiplodia theobromae based on morphological characteristics and phylogenetic analysis. Pathogenicity tests confirmed the isolate induced symptoms identical to natural outdoor infestation. The integrated fungicide treatment effectively suppressed stem gummosis disease incidence in rubber trees.

Conclusion

This study reports for the first time L. theobromae causing stem gummosis on rubber trees in China. The integrated approach of Bordeaux mixture trunk coating combined with root irrigation using citric acid-copper formulations provides effective disease management and valuable information for future monitoring strategies.
  • Published in:Microorganisms,
  • Study Type:Original Research,
  • Source: 10.3390/microorganisms13071586
Scroll to Top