Development of molecular diagnostics for the detection of Ganoderma isolates pathogenic to oil palm.

Abstract

This chapter focuses on the development of a rapid molecular diagnostic method for the detection of Ganoderma pathogenic to oil palm through the EU-STABEX-funded programme at the Papua New Guinea Oil Palm Research Association. The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region of oil palm-associated isolates, selection of primer sites, evaluation of primer combination and their diagnostic capabilities are described. The ITS-based approach provides a single diagnostic method for the taxon which is independent of the infraspecific variation seen for many other characters. The results support the hypothesis that the basal stem rot organism occurs in a saprobic state on other dead palms, particularly coconuts.