Growth performance of Falcataria moluccana in the mixed cropping pattern and its severity from Gall-rust disease: A case study in Ciamis, West Java

Abstract

Monoculture Falcataria moluccana plantation managed by local communities in Ciamis – West Java, is facing a gall-rust disease caused by fungal pathogen Uromycladium tepperianum. A mixed planting crops system is considered less vulnerable to pests and disease problems. In addition, it is possible to increase the productivity of community forest plantations. This study was aimed to evaluate the effects of mixed-crops plantation on the productivity of F. moluccana and the incidence and severity of gall-rust in the plantation. Then it will be compared to the existed monoculture F. moluccana plantation in the area, that was established two years before. The mixed-crop consisted of F. moluccana, Acacia mangium, and Gmelina arborea. These were alternately planted in three different rows with three replications. The observations of growth increments as well as incidence and severity of gall-rust were carried out in 1.5 years after planting. The results showed that the annual height- and diameter- increments of F. moluccana in the mixed-crop plot were 331.2 cm and 2.77 cm, respectively. Meanwhile, the results in the monoculture plot were 325.62 cm and 2.64 cm. The survival rates of F. moluccana in both planting patterns were slightly different (85.3% and 88%). Gall-rust incidence and severity were only observed in the F. moluccana monoculture plot, i.e., 0.15% and 0.48%, respectively. The mixed-planting crops system seems possible to be applied for controlling the gall-rust disease that attacked the F. moluccana stands. Further research on comparing the similar ages of mono- and mixed- cultures of F. moluccana in different locations were suggested.