The Precious Ganoderma Mushroom and Plant Diseases

The oil palm, an economically important tree, has been one of the world’s major sources of edible oil and a significant precursor of biodiesel fuel. Unfortunately, it now faces the threat of a devastating disease named basal stem rot disease. Many researchers have identified Ganoderma boninense and Ganoderma zonatum as the major pathogen that affect the oil palm tree and eventually kills. Identification of the pathogen causing basal stem rot disease is just the first step. No single method has yet been able to halt the continuing spread of the disease. This review focused on description and life cycles of two of the major Ganoderma species pathogens on oil palm trees namely Ganoderma boninense and G. zonatum. Additionally, we highlighted some possible strategies to control these pathogens and limit the spread of basal stem rot disease.