The host preference of a Ganoderma lucidum strain for three tree species of Fabaceae family; Cassia nodosa, Cassia fistula and Delonix regia

Root and butt rot of Cassia nodosa, Cassia fistula and Delonix regia is caused by Ganoderma lucidum. Ganoderma root and butt rot is a lethal disease on C. nodosa, C. fistula, and D. regia trees, and G. lucidum was identified as the causal organism of this disease. Susceptibility of these host trees was higher when infected at a young age. All infected trees regardless of the age died after 6-24 months from the appearance of the first sign of the disease. Of these three susceptible host species, C. fistula was the most susceptible host, dying six months after the first visible sign of the disease. Host preference of G. lucidum was demonstrated when new healthy C. nodosa, C. fistula or D. regia trees were infected while bypassing other tree species including species of Fabaceae family, which were growing in the close vicinity of the infected trees.

Keywords: Ganoderma lucidum, landscape trees, root and butt rot.  

doi:10.4038/jnsfsr.v36i4.271  

Journal of the National Science Foundation of Sri Lanka 36 (4) 323-326