Surveillance of Ganoderma disease in oil palm planted by participants of the smallholders replanting incentive scheme in Malaysia

A ground surveillance of basal stem rot disease (BSR) caused by pathogenic fungus Ganoderma sp. in oil palm was conducted by the Malaysian Palm Oil Board (MPOB) to determine status of incidence and distribution of Ganoderma disease of the smallholders (SH) particularly participating in the replanting incentive scheme in Malaysia. This survey was conducted for detection either presence or absence of BSR disease in oil palms areas with a total area of 37 359.81 ha involving 10 292 smallholders including in Peninsular, Sabah and Sarawak. The survey consisted of visual identification of BSR disease symptoms on mature oil palms based on external symptoms. The classification of BSR disease in oil palm was identified. Confirmation of Ganoderma or BSR disease in infected oil palm were verified using the Ganoderma Selective Media (GSM). The BSR disease affected a total of 3450.70 ha (9.2%) from this survey. As compared to other states in Malaysia, hectarage were mostly found in Johor (1032.97 ha; 487 smallholders), Sabah (930.85 ha; 252 smallholders), and Perak (718.49 ha; 410 smallholders). The disease incidence in oil palms were classified as very severe (>45%), severe (31%-45%), moderate (16%-30%), mild (<15%) and none incidence (0%). Areas affected with Ganoderma were found in inland (1449.29 ha; 8.72%), followed by coastal (1266.41 ha; 14.0%), peat (703.94 ha; 6.08%) and lateritic (31.06 ha; 27.7%). This study has provided information which could be useful for respective researchers, policy-makers and stakeholders on the control measures and management of the disease.