Current Status of Emerging Vascular-Streak Dieback (VSD) on Cacao in Yogyakarta, Indonesia

Abstract

In Indonesia, vascular-streak dieback (VSD) caused by Oncobasidium theobromae was recently reported as an important emerging disease destroying cacao plantation in Sumatera, Sulawesi and East Java. Yogyakarta is one of cacao plantation center in Indonesia but current report of this disease status has not been clarified. Therefore, survey of VSD cacao disease was undertaken in this research which were conducted in Gunungkidul and Kulon Progo Regency, the central of cacao plants in Yogyakarta Special Province. Disease incidence and severity were measured in five cacao plantation area each regency. The result showed that generally VSD was found more severe in Gunungkidul than in Kulon Progo. Disease incidence of VSD in Gunungkidul varied from 30% to 100%; with disease intensity varied from 7.5% to 60%. In Kulon Progo, disease incidence varied from 0% to 70% with disease intensity varied from 0% to 25%. Cacao plantation with routine pruning showed lower disease intensity of VSD disease. This survey indicated that current status of VSD is critical as one of emerging plant diseases in Yogyakarta, Indonesia.